SHUT THE SLAPP UP !

Presentation 📖

The assassination of Maltese journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia in 2017 marked a dark turning point for press freedom and democracy in Europe. Her killing, and the years of legal harassment that preceded it, exposed how powerful figures across the EU use lawsuits and intimidation to silence journalists and critics. These abusive tactics, known as SLAPPs(Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation), are a growing threat to democracy, the rule of law, and free expression.

To wrap up the legal clinic on Anti-SLAPPs developed within the LLB program in European and International Legal Studies (L2), we will host a high-level conference on 14 November. Leading academics, legal experts, and practitioners will come together to discuss the rising use of SLAPPs and how EU member states are responding — a perfect way to conclude the clinic in style!

Speakers include Prof. Em. Dirk Voorhoof (University of Ghent / Human Rights Centre and Legal Human Academy), Pia Lindholm (Deputy Head of Unit DG JUST/ European Commission), Prof. Justin Borg-Barthet (University of Aberdeen), Flutura Kusari PhD (Senior Legal Advisor, European Centre for Press and Media Freedom), Paulina Milewska (Researcher, European University Institute), and Leto Cariolou (Human Rights Lawyer).

Together, they will examine SLAPPs from multiple perspectives, legal, institutional, and societal, addressing both the impact of abusive litigation on journalists and the broader implications for democracy in Europe. The discussion will also consider the EU’s new Anti-SLAPP Directive and the steps still needed to ensure stronger protection for public participation and freedom of expression.

Scientific Chair

Silvia Bartolini PhD – Associate Professor of UE Law, Co-Director of LLB in European and International Legal Studies
Marina Danielyan – Teaching Assistant  

In collaboration with

Imana Chouli – Teaching Assistant
Jessy Kadiata – Teaching Assistant 
Leopoldine Gil – Teaching Assistant