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Countering strategic lawsuits against public participation (SLAPPs): an imperative for a democratic society

Other author
Parliamentary Assembly
Session
2024 - First part-session

Summary

The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe emphasizes the urgent need to counter strategic lawsuits against public participation (SLAPPs), which threaten freedom of expression and public debate. Citing existing recommendations aimed at protecting journalists and media actors, the Assembly highlights the growing prevalence of SLAPPs in member states due to insufficient legal protections. It commends the Committee of Ministers for initiating efforts to address this issue and urges the adoption of a strong recommendation to combat SLAPPs, along with effective monitoring of its implementation to safeguard democratic participation and expression.

Voting results

48 in favor 1 against 4 abstentions