BCSDN and members are launching a regional campaign against Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPPs), drawing attention to how abusive legal action can be used to intimidate, exhaust and silence those speaking in the public interest. Across the Western Balkans, journalists, activists, CSOs, environmental and human rights defenders, and citizens can face legal pressure whose impact extends far beyond an individual case: lengthy proceedings, costs and uncertainty can create fear and self-censorship and discourage wider public participation. At the centre of the campaign is a new regional video illustrating how lawsuits can gradually build a wall around critical voices — and how legal safeguards, accessible support, systematic documentation and solidarity can help dismantle it. Building on this message, the campaign will be rolled out in local languages across the region through BCSDN and its members, broadening awareness of SLAPPs and the need for stronger protection of those speaking in the public interest. Find out more here.
Source: BCSDN