Ending Gag Lawsuits in Europe Protecting Democracy and Fundamental Rights

Civil Rights Defenders joins 119 civil society organisations in calling the EU to end gag lawsuits used to silence individuals and organisations that hold those in positions of power to account.  

Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPP) are lawsuits brought forward by powerful actors (e.g. companies, public officials in their private capacity, high profile persons) to harass and silence those speaking out in the public interest. Typical victims are those with a watchdog role, for instance: journalists, activists, informal associations, academics, trade unions, media and civil society organisations. 

As part of the anti-SLAPP coalition, we have developed a policy paper with a range of recommendations and measures for the EU. The full policy paper can be accessed here.