Don't let them slap(P) you! Protecting journalists and activists from abusive civil lawsuits: An interview with Professor Dr. Bernhard Hohlbein
Bernhard Hohlbein discusses the recent SLAPP Directive of the EU
2024-06-26 For some time now, a method has been spreading that attempts to silence committed journalists, activists, or whistle-blowers with intimidating lawsuits when they bring unpleasant topics to light.
In response, the EU legislator has adopted a directive: Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPP). It aims to protect individuals who participate in public debate from abusive civil litigation with cross-border implications in the future. The legislative initiative seeks to dismiss such lawsuits at an early stage in order to guarantee the constitutionally protected freedom of expression.
The interview addresses some details of the directive and suggests a more specific approach when transposing it into German law. Additionally, it discusses the potential consequences for the insurance industry. “The EU directive helps to protect those who publicly expose unpleasant information,” explains Bernhard Hohlbein of Leuphana Law School. “When transposing the directive into German law, the legislator should be more ambitious than the broad time frame of the directive allows, and tighten the time schedule for the duration of civil proceedings.”
For the complete interview with Bernhard Hohlbein on the SLAPP Directive, please refer to the Zeitschrift für Versicherungswesen (Journal of the insurance industry).
