GIJC23 – Fighting Back Against SLAPPs & Other Legal Threats

Journalists are facing a worldwide legal assault from a growing arsenal of abused laws, from national security and emergency edicts to libel and privacy statutes. Harassment lawsuits, while always a threat, have mushroomed in use by the rich and powerful to silence watchdog reporting. SLAPP suits (“strategic lawsuits against public participation”), are one variant and are often framed as defamation or privacy cases, aimed to intimidate journalists, prevent publication, and punish independent media. The cost of defending such suits can be devastating to newsrooms. Legal experts who work closely with journalists will offer practical strategies on how journalists can be protected from defamation, libel and other vexatious lawsuits, including the welcome launch of Reporters Shield, a legal support program and defense fund.

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The Global Investigative Journalism Network is an international association of journalism organizations that support the training and sharing of information among investigative and data journalists—with special attention to those from repressive regimes and marginalized communities.

Our key activities include:

Providing resources and networking services to investigative journalists worldwide;
Publishing in multiple languages and on multiple platforms the latest tools, techniques and opportunities for those in the field;
Helping organize and promote regional and international training conferences and workshops;
Assisting in the formation and sustainability of journalism organizations involved in investigative reporting and data journalism around the world;
Supporting and promoting best practices in investigative and data journalism;
Supporting and promoting efforts to ensure free access to public documents and data worldwide.

Find more information on our website: https://gijn.org