How to tackle SLAPPs against public watchdogs in Europe?

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, the Coalition Against SLAPPs in Europe (CASE) is organising a panel discussion on a growing threat to fundamental rights posed by Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPPs). The panel will feature experts who will present the latest research on SLAPPs in Europe and the testimony of individuals facing SLAPP cases

We are pleased to announce that Věra Jourová, Vice-President and Commissioner for Values and Transparency of the European Commission will take part in the discussion.

Join us for this online event on Wednesday, 16 March at 14:00 CET. We will present the key findings and recommendations from two comprehensive reports on SLAPPs in Europe written by CASE members, ARTICLE 19 and Daphne Caruana Galizia Foundation that will be officially launched on the day of the event. The discussion will focus on how to fight SLAPPs, including through the forthcoming measures by the European Commission.

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’

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

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.

The discussion will be also streamed on ARTICLE 19's Facebook page.

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Feel free to email events@article19.org if you have any questions.