EU tackles abusive lawsuits against journalists – Jourova

The European Commission today announced plans to improve the protection of journalists and human rights defenders from abusive court proceedings. The Commission wants to crack down on the use of strategic lawsuits against public participation, known as SLAPPs. They’re  primarily used against journalists and human rights defenders to prevent or penalise them from speaking up on issues of public interest.

The Commission’s proposals would enable judges to swiftly dismiss unfounded lawsuits against journalists and human rights defenders. They’re also proposing several safeguards and remedies to prevent people from launching abusive lawsuits against them. The European Commissioner Vera Jourova today said the use of abusive lawsuits is increasing in the EU.  

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