From Silence to Strength: A Regional Response to SLAPPs in the Western Balkans
Tuesday, 2 July 11 AM CET, ZOOM
The civic space across the region is deteriorating, with fundamental freedoms being encroached upon by regulatory and socio-political pressures. As part of our monitoring of civil society, we identified SLAPPs as an emerging trend that needs urgent attention. Activists and journalists in the Western Balkans face costly SLAPP suits, public smear campaigns, and threats, while media freedom is constrained. Due to the lack of comprehensive data and tracking on SLAPPs cases in the region, we conducted regional research on SLAPPs in the Western Balkans to address this critical issue and raise of public awareness on the topic, build regional coalitions against SLAPPs, secure legal guarantees and advocate for the respect for basic freedoms in the region.
In these efforts, we are pleased to invite you to the launch event for the first regional report on SLAPPs in the Western Balkans, delivered by BCSDN. The event will take place on 2 July at 11 AM via Zoom. For your participation, please register HERE.
Over the past months, our dedicated EO team and members’ researchers have conducted in-depth research to uncover the prevalence, impact, and implications of SLAPPs on individuals, organizations, and public discourse in the region.
Our report sheds light on the SLAPPS legal framework and practices in the Western Balkans, providing data-driven insights on plaintiffs’ and defendants’ tactics and highlighting the experiences of those affected.
Join us to discuss our regional findings on SLAPPs and explore solutions and recommendations to combat these abusive practices.
Find the event’s invitation and the agenda HERE.
Register HERE.
Thank you in advance for your participation!