As part of Croatia’s contribution to the Council of Europe Journalists Matter campaign and OSCE initiatives on the safety of journalists a key initiative has been launched to address Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPPs). The Agency for Electronic Media, in cooperation with the Working Group for Combating SLAPP Lawsuits, the National Coordination Committee for the Implementation of the Action Plan for the Development of Culture and Media, and experts from the Ministry of Justice, Public Administration and Digital Transformation, has prepared and published an educational brochure.
Objective
The brochure is designed to support legal professionals, journalists, and the wider public in recognising and responding to SLAPPs—lawsuits intended to intimidate and silence those engaging in public interest work, particularly media professionals. It is fully based on the Directive (EU) 2024/1069 of the European Parliament and of the Council, aimed at protecting individuals engaged in public participation from clearly unfounded or abusive legal proceedings.
Key Features
- Legal Foundation: The content aligns fully with the provisions and definitions of the EU Anti-SLAPP Directive (2024/1069).
- Target Groups: Judges, lawyers, media stakeholders, and the general public.
- Purpose: To raise awareness of the harms of SLAPPs and offer practical guidance for the early identification and dismissal of such cases.
- Interim Application: The brochure serves as a practical tool during the transitional phase before the Directive is transposed into Croatian national legislation.
Distribution and Awareness-Raising
The brochure is being distributed nationwide to:
- Members of the judiciary and legal profession,
- Journalists and media organisations,
- Professional audiences and the general public.
It has been publicly presented by members of the expert working group and campaign committees in order to promote widespread awareness and implementation.
Further information:
