Journalists need to spend too much time in court, just because oligarchs, politicians and other influential people sue them for doing their job. We describe European Union (EU) and Council of Europe (CoE) protections and discuss country examples.

Vexatious lawsuits have become a common experience for journalists across the world. Europe and its neighbourhood are no exception. Investigative journalists are all too often dragged to court for exposing wrongdoings, wasting valuable time and newsroom resources on legal proceedings, rather than fulfilling their watchdog role and informing readers. These lawsuits are widely referred to as SLAPPs: strategic lawsuits against public participation.

Despite responses formulated by the EU and the CoE, there is evidence that the number of such lawsuits is still extremely high. Businesspeople, politicians, and even some prime ministers tend to sue journalists who cover them – usually for articles that are well-researched and statements that are factually true. The event aims at presenting some ways in which journalists can withstand such pressure, as well as understand how journalistic unions and associations can best protect their members. 

This is the third Transnational Online Awareness Raising event of the M4CD – Media for Citizens and Democracy in the Digital Age project of the Centre for Media Pluralism and Media Freedom and the International Federation of Journalists. It brings together leading journalists and media researchers to share insights and best practices.

The workshops starts with an overview of the EU and CoE mechanisms. This will be followed by a training on countering SLAPPs. Finally, in the afternoon, experts will explain how their countries are affected by such lawsuits, and how journalists perceive the threat.

Attendance is free of charge, but registration is required.

The event starts at 9:00. The roundtable with experts will take place in the afternoon, at 14:00.