How to tackle SLAPPs against public watchdogs in Europe?

March 16, 2022
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A panel discussion on a growing threat to fundamental rights posed by Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPPs) across Europe hosted by Coalition Against SLAPPs in Europe (CASE), Article 19 and Daphne Caruana Galizia Foundation.

When: Wednesday 16 March 2022, 2:00pm GMT
Where: Online. Free Registration

Powerful and well-resourced individuals across Europe are misusing the justice system to harass or silence journalists and public watchdogs who expose their wrongdoings. Ahead of the European Commission’s proposal of EU-wide measures to stop abusive litigation, CASE is organising a panel discussion on a growing threat to fundamental rights posed by Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPPs).

PANEL

The panel will feature experts who will present the latest research on SLAPPs in Europe and the testimony of individuals facing SLAPP cases.


Moderator: Charlie Holt, Legal Counsel, Greenpeace International

Speakers

Věra Jourová, Vice-President and Commissioner for Values and Transparency, European Commission

Catherine Belton, Journalist, author of ‘Putin’s People’

Montse Ferrer, Business & Human Rights Researcher & Advisor, Amnesty International

Veronika Feicht, Agricultural Policy Campaigner, Munich Environmental Institute

Sarah Clarke, Head of Europe and Central Asia Team, ARTICLE 19

Corinne Vella, Head of Media Relations, Daphne Caruana Galizia Foundation

DISCUSSION

The panellists will address the following issues:

• How do SLAPPs and the threat of vexatious lawsuits affect the work and life of public watchdogs?

• What are the key common patterns in SLAPP cases brought against journalists and activists across Europe?

• Why and how do SLAPPs pose a threat to fundamental rights?

• What should should robust EU and national level anti-SLAPP measures consist of?

Participation will be possible during the Q&A session.

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