Poland and Malta have emerged as the most challenging European countries for journalists grappling with legal harassment, prompting serious concerns about press freedom and democratic well-being.
The report, issued by Case group of NGOs on behalf of the Daphne Caruana Galizia Foundation, spotlights Poland as the EU’s central hub for “strategic lawsuits against public participation” (Slapp).
Over the past decade, Poland has experienced a staggering 128 court cases, many transpiring during the Law and Justice party’s reign marked by nationalism and populism.
Malta closely follows with 88 cases, while France (76), Croatia (54), Slovenia (42), Italy (32), and Ireland (31) contribute to this disconcerting pattern. Malta is particularly pronounced when adjusted per population, recording 19.9 cases per 100,000 residents.
In response, the EU is crafting an anti-Slapp law, empowering judges to dismiss abusive cases and penalize culprits. This involves deliberations with the European Commission, MEPs, and EU diplomats.
Analysis of the study reveals politicians, state entities, and businessmen instigating most cases (340 and 335 respectively out of 820 surveyed), with media professionals, NGO activists, academics, and cartoonists among victims. Alleged defamation takes the lead with 590 cases, followed by privacy breaches, while alleged corruption is central to 181 cases.
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