Stop Abusive Lawsuits!

There’s almost nothing to stop the wealthy and powerful from threatening legal action to silence their critics. It’s just another business expense. They don’t even need to win in court – the litigation process is enough in itself...

Pursued by wealthy and powerful litigants, SLAPPs (strategic lawsuits against public participation) are an abuse of the legal system and a threat to democracy. SLAPPs attempt to intimidate and silence public watchdogs - journalists, activists, whistleblowers, and others who hold the powerful to account - through lengthy and expensive litigation that drains a target’s resources and chills critical voices.

The European Commission is about to propose the first EU law against such abusive lawsuits... The public consultation they have launched closes on January 10th and soon after they will present the draft law. This is therefore the last chance to tell them what is needed: binding legislation that protects all SLAPP victims in the EU...

Call on EU Commission Vice-President Vera Jorouvá and EU Justice Commissioner Didier Reynders now to put a stop to SLAPPs in Europe. Because telling the truth is not a crime!