“How to deal with SLAPPs”

On April 6th, over 20 prominent journalists and legal experts gathered for a dynamic workshop titled “How to Deal with SLAPPs”, organized by KAS RLPSEE and Leaders for Justice, and supported by One World Romania, who promoted it as a side event at their International Documentary & Human Rights Film Festival. The event shed light on the growing use of Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPPs) as a tool of judicial harassment targeting journalists, activists, and media professionals. The first part of the workshop focused on dissecting the Anti-SLAPP Directive and strategies for effectively transposing it into national legislation. Participants explored legal mechanisms to protect freedom of expression while addressing the economic and psychological pressure that such lawsuits impose on their targets. In the second half, interactive working groups analyzed Romanian jurisprudence, and the European Court of Human Rights’ (ECHR) criteria for balancing the right to private life with freedom of expression. These sessions provided practical insights for navigating judicial pressures, especially in the context of Romania's 2024 election cycle, which includes four rounds of elections and heightened scrutiny of investigative journalism. The event also emphasized fostering collaboration between journalists and legal experts. By pooling expertise, participants aimed to bolster resilience against threats to press freedom and public participation. This workshop underscores the importance of solidarity among journalists and legal experts in safeguarding democracy and free speech, highlighting the Rule of Law Program in Southeast Europe’s commitment to these essential values in a democratic society. As SLAPPs increasingly threaten media independence across Europe, the event provided a vital platform for practical guidance and advocacy.