How does SLAPP affect the work of journalists and what can be done about it?
This question was raised during an event at the 10-day conference organized by the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) in Warsaw, Poland. In the panel dedicated to threats against women journalists covering environmental issues and how to counter malicious lawsuits against them, Alexander Kashumov, Executive Director of Access to Information Programme (AIP) and invited speaker by the OSCE, said:
"Experience from 27 years in the field of access to information and freedom of expression shows that issues of access to information, including environmental, health, and life-related information, and SLAPP against those brave enough to speak out, especially when women journalists are targeted due to the assumption that they are more vulnerable, are inextricably linked. This year, there has been significant progress in standards against SLAPP, as the European Union Directive, the Council of Europe's Recommendation, and the European Commission's Recommendation are all in effect." He highlighted significant cases in Bulgaria, such as the ongoing lawsuit of "Lev Ins" AD against "Mediapool" and the withdrawn lawsuit of the Kozloduy Nuclear Power Plant against Natalia Stancheva, among other examples that reveal fundamental issues.
Participants at the event agreed that specific legislative changes need to be planned to improve protection against SLAPP, foster a broad understanding of the issue, and coordinate efforts with respected international organizations on the topic.