CASE Coalition of which BCSDN member Civic Initiatives is a part, was involved in a public consultations on CoE Draft Recommendation to counter SLAPPs. They endorse the approval of the text by the Committee of Ministers and will continue to support CoE’s efforts in combating SLAPPs and ensuring the implementation of the draft by member states. They emphasize the importance of accurately describing SLAPPs in the text and recognizing the various strategic objectives pursued through abusive litigation to prevent a narrow interpretation. They also advocate for the inclusion of explicit provisions outlining the specific actions to be taken by member states. Additionally, member states should commit to raising awareness about the draft recommendations. The implementation of caps or maximum amounts for compensation and judicial costs should also be considered. To effectively combat SLAPPs, it is crucial to establish a mechanism for early dismissals during the legal process. Furthermore, exploring alternative dispute resolution methods such as mediation can help prevent the occurrence of SLAPPs. Read more here.
Source: CASE