As the conversation around Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPP) continues to gain momentum, it remains imperative for legal professionals to stay updated and share knowledge.
SLAPP refers to lawsuits, often without merit, filed primarily to silence, intimidate, or punish critics by burdening them with the cost of a legal defence until they abandon their criticism. This tactic is not only a threat to individual freedom of speech but also poses significant challenges to the very foundation of democratic discourse.
Recently, there’s been an increased emphasis on this issue at the European level, with the proposed EU directive (https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A52022PC0177) seeking to unify and strengthen measures against SLAPP across member states. Such moves are reflective of the magnitude and urgency of the challenges posed by SLAPP claims.
Cyprus University of Technology is a partner in the project Patfox which aims to raise awareness and build capacity on SLAPP for lawyers in member countries. Our Managing Partner, Theodoros Economou, is the local trainer for SLAPP and also attended the research meeting at the European Commission in Brussels where the President of the European Parliament participated (see photo).
Over the last few months, Theodoros Economou has delivered numerous workshops hosted at the Cyprus Bar Association, and seminars/lectures, shedding light on the challenges and potential solutions surrounding SLAPP claims. These presentations have not only facilitated a more informed professional community but have also fostered an environment that champions the defence of public participation in democratic processes.
We are excited to announce that on the 8th of November, Theodoros Economou will be delivering another lecture on the subject. This event will be hosted by the University of Cyprus. This seminar is aimed at law students, legal practitioners, journalists, activists and all interested parties. It is an invaluable opportunity to delve deeper into the intricacies of SLAPP and its implications.
For those who wish to enrich their understanding further, we invite you to explore the curriculum hub dedicated to this topic. You can access valuable resources, research, and lecture material prepared by each partner in both their language and English. The curriculum on SLAPP is available at https://www.antislapp.eu/curriculum-hub.
For further clarifications you can contact us at Theodoros Economou LLC by telephone (+357 22 264 300) or email (info@economou.law).
