On 2 July, BCSDN held a virtual event to launch the first regional report on SLAPPs (Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation) in the Western Balkans. The event brought together around 100 activists, journalists, legal experts, civil society representatives, donors and others to discuss the findings of the comprehensive BCSDN research conducted over the past months.
The event was opened by BCSDN Executive Director, Ms. Biljana Spasovska, who reflected on the SLAPPs trend and the shrinking civic space in the region. The regional findings of the report were presented by Ms. Anja Bosilkova-Antovska and Ms. Simona Mladenovska from BCSDN’s Executive Office, while BCSDN member representatives presented the key research findings on national level.
THE RESEARCH
The research revealed a worrying trend of increasing SLAPP cases across the region, targeting journalists and, increasingly, activists. These lawsuits are often used as tools to intimidate and silence voices that challenge powerful interests. The report highlighted the lack of a specific legal framework to address SLAPPs in the Western Balkans. The existing legal systems do not provide adequate protection for those targeted by such lawsuits, exacerbating the challenges faced by civil society.
SLAPPs have a chilling effect on free speech and public participation. The report detailed numerous cases where individuals and organizations faced severe financial, psychological, and reputational damage due to SLAPPs. The report emphasized the need for developing and implementing a robust legal framework to identify and dismiss SLAPPs swiftly. It also called for raising public awareness about the dangers of SLAPPs and building strong regional coalitions to support SLAPP targets and advocate for legal reforms.
THE DISCUSSION
During the open discussion, participants shared their experiences with SLAPPs and discussed the importance of collaborative solutions. The need for solidarity among CSOs and the media was underscored as a critical component in combating SLAPPs and sustaining the targets’ morale and efforts despite the legal intimidation.
“For 24 months, I have been in the court 27 times. It was really exhausting to be in such a process. Despite this, we are not afraid. We are not passive; we are still doing our job as we did in the past because our mission and vision relate to the public interest. We really have the courage to continue our work in the future. It is crucial to share information about SLAPPs within both CSOs and the media. Gradjanske Inicijative in Serbia plays a significant role in this, as they have the strength to effectively disseminate information and strengthen involved parties”
Dragana Arsic, Odbranimo šume Fruške gore (OŠFG)
Participants emphasized the value of legal support, resource sharing, and joint advocacy efforts to effectively address the issue, including through changes in legislation. The discussion highlighted the necessity for awareness-raising, education and training within the judiciary system to improve case recognition and handling. The need for joint actions, learning and sharing of good practices across the region and beyond was also highlighted.
For more detailed insights, the full report is available HERE. Thank you to all who participated and contributed to this important discussion.
BCSDN AGAINST SLAPPS
We recognize SLAPPs as crucial topic related to one of the key standards for ensuring an enabling environment for civil society in WBT – the legal guarantees and respect of the fundamental freedoms of association, assembly and expression.
