site.btaWorking Group Maps Out Legislative Changes Aimed to Prevent SLAPPs, Expects to Be Ready by Mid-February

Judges, professors and lawyers of a working group with the Rule of Law Council discussed options for the Code of Civil Procedure and the Bar Act to prevent SLAPPs (strategic lawsuits against public participation), the Justice Ministry said Tuesday. The possible measures include fast-track hearing of SLAPP cases, procedural guarantees for the defence of respondents in these cases, an option for lawyers to defend pro bono journalists, rights activists and civil society organizations in cases targeting freedom of speech and aimed at silencing critical reports and opinions.

Borislav Ganchev, Chief of the Justice Minister's Cabinet, heads the working group.

Law-making proposals will be drafted and tabled to the Rule of Law Council and the European Commission. The proposals are expected to be drawn up by mid-February.

In November 2023, the European Parliament and the EU Council reached a political agreement on a Directive to protect those targeted with SLAPP cases. The new rules include the early dismissal of manifestly unfounded claims; remedies against abusive court proceedings including the full award of costs and penalties; and protection against third country judgments which will not be recognized or enforced in the EU.