In 2023, Albania saw an increase in Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPPs), a trend that poses significant risks to media freedom and the safety of journalists. SLAPPs are used by powerful entities to silence independent voices by intimidating critics with costly and burdensome lawsuits, often aimed at discouraging public participation in matters of public interest. Reports indicate that journalists, especially those covering sensitive topics like corruption, are frequent targets. Albania’s legal framework lacks sufficient protections against SLAPPs, and the absence of a clear definition complicates identifying such cases. The EU’s Anti-SLAPP Directive, adopted in 2024, provides safeguards to protect individuals from manifestly unfounded legal actions, encouraging early dismissal of such claims. As Albania aligns its laws with EU standards, a review of national legislation is underway to strengthen protections for journalists and activists, ensuring greater freedom of expression and press independence. Read SCiDEV’s working paper on the topic here.
Source: SCiDEV