Original version of the article available in Georgian: Media Checker
The article examines the rising trend of SLAPP (Strategic Litigation Against Public Participation) lawsuits in Georgia, particularly targeting critical media outlets and journalists. These lawsuits are frequently initiated by politically influential individuals with the intent to silence active citizens and impose financial burdens on media organizations.
A recent example involves former Interior Minister Alexander Chikaidze, who has filed a lawsuit against TV Pirveli and journalist Sopho Niauri, demanding 100,000 GEL in moral damages, a figure deemed excessive. This lawsuit is viewed as an attempt to intimidate and financially strain critical media rather than a genuine effort to protect personal reputation.
The article notes that the majority of SLAPP cases are directed at three major outlets: Mtavari Arkhi, TV Pirveli, and Formula. According to the Georgian Democratic Initiative, the number of SLAPP cases has escalated to 41.
Legal experts and media advocates have raised several concerns:
- Courts are increasingly recognizing journalists as legitimate defendants, which contradicts the Law on Freedom of Speech and Expression.
- The burden of proof is shifting onto journalists, contrary to established legislation.
- SLAPP cases are being expedited more rapidly than standard defamation cases.
Additionally, the article highlights the Anti-SLAPP directive adopted by the European Parliament in early 2024, which seeks to shield journalists and media outlets from the misuse of judicial power as a means of retaliation.
In response to these challenges, an Anti-SLAPP platform was launched in Georgia in 2023. The platform aims to protect media, human rights defenders, and other stakeholders from SLAPP-related threats by enhancing awareness and equipping lawyers and legal professionals with the knowledge to identify and address such cases effectively.
