Alliance warns: Slapp lawsuits threaten our freedom of expression!
Alliance warns: Slapp lawsuits threaten our freedom of expression!
Österreich - A wide alliance of press clubs, unions and civil society organizations has now asked the Federal Government to take measures against slapping lawsuits (Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation), which are a serious threat to democracy. According to the Kleine Zeitung Warn the GPA union, the Austrian network civil society (ÖNZ) and the Freier Rundfunk. Increasing number of abusive complaints from powerful companies and individuals. These aim to silence critical voices in public.
Walter Strobl, head of the legal service journalism at the Concordia press club, emphasizes that slapping lawsuits are often directed against those who uncover grievances. These complaints not only lead to high financial burdens, but also bind precious times of journalist: inside and activist: inside, which should concentrate on the matter instead.
urgency of the implementation of EU requirements
The alliance calls for the Federal Government to be quick and consistent implementation of the EU directive and the recommendations for combating slapping suits. This guideline should apply to both international and national cases and provides comprehensive legal protection for journalists: inside and civil society organizations, such as
The EU has already created legal framework conditions to increase protection against slapping lawsuits, but these have been limited to cross-border cases. The implementation of the guidelines should according to the EU representation by the European Parliament and the Council be formally decided.
concrete claims to support those affected
The alliance calls for:
- deterrent sanction options for misuse.
- fully extensive cost reimbursement by the plaintiff.
- the possibility of early rejection of such complaints.
- support from organizations with legitimate interest.
The situation has tightened in Europe in recent years, with an increase in 626 documented violations of the freedom of the press in 2021. Remarkably, Maltese journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia, who was murdered in 2017, was remarkable under 43. Their murder has urgently strengthened the discussion about the protection of journalists and civil society actors.
The alliance sees the urgent implementation of these measures not only to protect protection for freedom of expression, but also the opportunity for Austria, as a pioneer among the EU member states. Time is urgent because the dangers of slapping lawsuits not only affect journalist: inside, but also human rights activists and organizations of civil society.
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