WIN Associate
Free Press Unlimited released their study
An underestimated problem: disproportionate legal pressure on Dutch journalism, which builds on the survey done by the journalists' union NVJ and PersVeilig (Dutch initiative for safety of journalists) in 2023.
Below is an excerpt from FPS' article on their findings called "Disproportionate legal pressure on Dutch journalism" originally published 7 April 2024
The study shows that the impact of legal pressure is strongest among freelancers, local media and small titles. This group is the most vulnerable to the possible effects, and is therefore also more likely to resort to self-censorship. However, large journalism organisations also report experiencing increasing legal pressure.
Besides the financial implications and the time investment, the study shows that the psychological impact on the individual journalist is underestimated. Whereas some chief editors estimate that legal pressure has had no effect on their journalists or that they 'do not allow themselves to be intimidated', their journalists indicate that they are afraid to talk about this or feel that there is no space to talk about the consequences. Especially in the most serious cases and SLAPP proceedings, many of them indicate that this causes serious stress, anxiety and psychological strain. Journalists also indicate that they often feel alone and experience little solidarity from colleagues.
The heaviest and most worrying form of legal pressure are the so-called SLAPPs: Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation. These lawsuits are often initiated by wealthy and powerful actors against journalists, human rights defenders and civil society organisations, with the main aim of intimidating, pressuring and silencing them. This week (9th April 2024), the European Council signed the long-awaited European directive to protect journalists and human rights defenders from SLAPPs, which should be transposed into Dutch law within two years. - Free Press Unlimited
SLAPPs as pointed out above, threaten those speaking out such as whistleblowers and those working with them, from telling their stories, finding justice and holding those of wrongdoing accountable. Victims of SLAPPs have very little protection worldwide, with some protections in Australia, parts of Canada, and different states within the US.
To read the full article by Free Press Unlimited on the findings of their Report see here.