Between 2016 and 2023, Croatia witnessed a troubling surge in lawsuits against journalists, with over 1,300 cases filed, nearly half classified as SLAPPs. These lawsuits aim to intimidate and silence the press, often initiated by public figures seeking to suppress reporting on issues of public interest. A recent study by the Croatian Association of Journalists and the Center for Democracy and Law highlights that many lawsuits exhibit characteristics of SLAPPs, including disproportionate damage claims and procedural tactics designed to increase costs for defendants. Serial plaintiffs, including politicians and judges, frequently file repeated lawsuits, exacerbating the pressure on media outlets. Although the judiciary’s success rate in SLAPP cases is low, the prolonged legal battles create a chilling effect, discouraging investigative journalism. Critics argue that the current legal framework fails to adequately protect media freedom and emphasize the need for specialized judges to address these challenges. Read more here.
Source: OBCT