The project aims to establish a protective framework against SLAPPs (Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation) with the goal of promoting freedom of expression, supporting public participation, and reinforcing the rule of law in Greece. This will be achieved through research and documentation activities focusing on SLAPPs, the collection of effective strategies from EU member states, and the implementation of advocacy initiatives. The project will also involve submitting policy proposals tailored to the Greek context and conducting information and awareness campaigns to safeguard individuals from SLAPP-related challenges.
Target Groups:
The project targets the following groups:
- Individuals, groups, and organizations in civil society advocating for rights, with a public voice and participation, defending social, environmental, or other rights-related issues, and facing the risk of SLAPP persecutions.
- Journalists, journalistic groups, and media professionals who, during investigations into matters of public interest, face the risk of SLAPP persecutions.
- Lawyers and legal professionals handling SLAPP cases.
- Members of parliament and legislative factors.
- Press associations and institutional bodies (e.g., ESEE, ESDIE, POESY, General Secretariat for Information and Communication, etc.).
Activities:
- Completion of desk research and 17 in-depth interviews and focus groups with human rights defenders, legal experts, and media representatives, resulting in the drafting of a comprehensive study on SLAPP in Greece.
- Publication of three key reports: a research findings report, a compilation of best practices from other EU countries, and a policy paper proposing national legislative reforms aligned with EU Recommendation 2022/758.
- Implementation of a multi-channel awareness campaign, including a short video (also in English), three podcasts, three press articles, and two national TV appearances, raising public understanding of SLAPP threats.
- Organisation of a final public event for results dissemination, with the participation of civil society, legal professionals, and institutional stakeholders, and video recording made accessible to the public.
- Extensive media coverage in major outlets such as Efsyn and Omnia TV, and a coordinated social media campaign reaching over 21,000 users.
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