Twenty-six lawyers from across Bosnia and Herzegovina explored practical ways to strengthen the legal protection of journalists and challenge abusive lawsuits targeting public participation during a two-day training in Neum on 15-16 October 2026. The exchange focused onapplying European human rights standards, identifying strategic lawsuits against public participation (SLAPPs) and making more effective use of available legal safeguards to protect journalists’ rights and freedom of expression.

Drawing on their professional experience, participants raised questions related to the legal and practical obstacles they face when representing journalists. Through expert-led sessions, case studies and interactive group exercises, they explored possible responses to these challenges and approaches to better protect their clients’ rights and freedom of expression.
The Council of Europe Training Programme on Countering the Use of SLAPPs covers European standards on the protection of journalists, based on the case law of the European Court of Human Rights and the Council of Europe’s Recommendation CM/Rec(2016)4 on the protection of journalism and safety of journalists and other media actors. Particular attention was given to the protection of journalists in the online environment, including relevant domestic judicial practice and available protection mechanisms.
A dedicated module addressed strategic lawsuits against public participation (SLAPPs), examining European instruments to counter abusive legal proceedings, indicators for identifying SLAPP cases, and procedural safeguards. Discussions also provided an opportunity to consider initiatives aimed at strengthening protection against SLAPPs in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
By connecting European standards with the practical experience of lawyers, the training aimed to strengthen participants’ capacity to identify legal risks, respond to challenges faced by journalists and make effective use of available legal safeguards. The exchange also enabled participants to share experiences and discuss how legal professionals can contribute to an environment in which journalists are able to report on matters of public interest without undue legal pressure or intimidation.
The training was organised by the Council of Europe Division for Cooperation on Freedom of Expression, as part of the joint European Union and Council of Europe programme Horizontal Facility for the Western Balkans and Türkiye, under the action Protecting Freedom of Expression and of the Media in Bosnia and Herzegovina (PRO-FREX).