A third anti-SLAPP workshop in Spain

On the occasion of the International Day of Peace, on September 21st, FIBGAR held its third anti-SLAPP seminar in the framework of the European project PATFox (Pioneering AntiSLAPP Training for Freedom of Expression).

The event “Tackling SLAPPs: new threats to freedom of expression and information” was organised with the support of the Barcelona Bar Association (ICAB), the International Criminal Justice and Human Rights Commission and the Observatory for the Rights of Persons of the Barcelona Bar Association.

David Querol Sanchez, President of the International Criminal Justice and Human Rights Commission, introduced the event and congratulated the PATFox project for contributing to counteracting these new threats to our democracy.

During the first session, Alessia Schiavon, Executive Director of FIBGAR and coordinator of the PATFox project, introduced the participants to the key elements of the phenomenon (the definition, objectives and features of SLAPPs,) as well as the range of legal and technical mechanisms and tactics deployed against targets, highlighting the challenges posed by strategic lawsuits against public participation for democracy and the rule of law. Moreover, she shared some recommendations and best practices on how to manage SLAPP cases.

The second session focused on the features of the Proposal for a Directive on the protection of persons who carry out acts of public participation against manifestly unfounded or abusive legal claims. Justin Borg-Barthet, Professor at the University of Aberdeen and member of the European Commission's expert group on strategic claims against public participation, shared with the participants the recent revisions to the Proposed Directive.

Finally, the third session delved into the complexities of SLAPP actions and their impact on freedom of speech and public participation in Spain. Participants engaged in an interesting discussion with Alessia Schiavon, Laia Serra Perelló, practising criminal lawyer, expert in human rights and no-discrimination, and Pere Rusiñol, journalist and member of the anti-SLAPP group of the European Federation of Journalist.

The workshop was attended by lawyers as well as journalists and activists.