WIN is part of a European Anti-SLAPP coalition to stop the law being used to silence and gag those who speak out in the public interest, including whistleblowers. Europe must act to redress this imbalance of power and ensure the law is not used to undermine vital democratic freedoms when we need them most.
Věra Jourová, Vice President of the European Commission for Values and Transparency has responded to the Anti-SLAPP coalition’s open letter ‘Ending Gag Lawsuits in Europe – Protecting Democracy and Fundamental Rights’ sent on the 28
th of May. The letter Anti-SLAPP coalition letter can be read
here.
The European Commission will launch a public consultation on the European Democracy Action Plan in the coming months. This public consultation will give civil society organisations and other stakeholders an important opportunity to provide feedback and explain how SLAPPs are used by the powerful to unfairly and dangerously limit public access to information by attempting to intimidate and silence journalists and other public watchdogs, including NGOs, activists and whistleblowers. This consultation should lead to the EU seriously considering initiatives to act to protect freedom of expression and informed public participation in Europe.
The PDF of Věra Jourová’s letter can be read
here.
If you would like to highlight your whistleblowing events or activities on the WIN website, please drop us a line on info@whistleblowingnetwork.org