Online Discussion Series: Protecting Free Speech in Europe - How to stop Strategic Lawsuits Against Political Participation

September 29 at 9:00-10:15 a.m. EST/UTC-4 & 15:00-16:15 CET/UTC+2 & 16:00-17:15 EEST/UTC+3

Freedom of speech is essential for democratic processes and competitive elections across Europe. Increasingly, different political actors are using Strategic Lawsuits/Litigation Against Political Participation (SLAPP) against journalists and civil society activists to stop them from freely expressing political views and opinions, opening the way for disinformation from domestic and foreign actors. The European Commission has emphasized the importance of “fighting back against manifestly unfounded or abusive court proceedings… [since] The active exercise of the fundamental right to freedom of expression and information is key for a healthy and thriving democracy.” In this online discussion, experts and practitioners will discuss the most effective ways to counteract SLAPPs in Europe today and in the future.

The event will be held live via Zoom in English.

Moderator
Dr. Magnus Öhman, Senior Political Finance Adviser and Regional Europe Office Director, IFES
 

Panelists  

• Oleg Khomenok, Senior Media Advisor at Internews, Board of Directors Member, Global Investigative Journalism Network, Ukraine
• Anna Myers, Executive Director of the Whistleblowing International Network, Steering Committee Member of the Coalition Against SLAPPs in Europe
• Rubina Čengić, Journalist and Media Consultant, Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Samer Elchahabi, Deputy Country Director Tunisia & media development program designer, IFES