Journalists, lawyers, and activists in Bosnia and Herzegovina are intensifying efforts to combat Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPPs), with growing support from the Council of Europe. These lawsuits, often used to silence critical voices and discourage public interest reporting, pose a serious threat to freedom of expression in the country.

Faced with legal actions aimed at intimidation and financial exhaustion, those targeted by SLAPPs are taking a stand to safeguard free speech and the right to report on issues of public interest. The Council of Europe has bolstered these efforts by providing targeted training through its “Protecting Freedom of Expression and of the Media in Bosnia and Herzegovina (PROFREX)” initiative, part of the joint EU-Council of Europe “Horizontal Facility for the Western Balkans and Türkiye.”

Journalists on the Frontlines

Renata Radić Dragić, a journalist with the Center for Investigative Journalism (CIN) in Sarajevo, has experienced the toll of SLAPPs firsthand. “Despite strict editorial processes and fact-checking, we’ve still faced defamation lawsuits,” she said, recalling how three of her stories led to legal actions. While CIN provides legal support, Renata highlighted the personal burden of these cases, which demand significant time and emotional energy.

Activists Facing Financial and Emotional Strain

Activists, too, have been targeted by SLAPPs. Sunčica Kovačević, a member of the Coalition for the Protection of Rivers of BiH and the ACT Foundation, described her battle with a defamation lawsuit filed by a Belgian company. “These lawsuits aim to punish and silence,” she said, noting the heavy financial burden of legal fees and expert reports. Despite initial fears, Sunčica found strength in solidarity and collective action. “Together, we can minimise the negative effects of SLAPPs,” she added.

Legal Challenges in Addressing SLAPPs

Dario Sandić, a lawyer advocating for anti-SLAPP protections, emphasized the need to integrate these measures into Bosnia and Herzegovina’s legal system. “Judges and lawmakers must recognise SLAPP protections as vital tools for safeguarding human rights,” he said. However, without formal recognition, applying these protections remains challenging. Sandić also stressed the importance of raising public awareness about SLAPPs and their impact on free speech.

Building Resilience Through Training

The Council of Europe’s training sessions have been instrumental in strengthening resilience against SLAPPs. Renata Radić Dragić said the sessions helped her distinguish SLAPPs from ordinary defamation cases, enabling more effective defenses. For Dario Sandić, the sessions are vital for introducing the anti-SLAPP concept into Bosnia and Herzegovina’s legal framework. “These trainings are currently the only source of awareness-raising on SLAPPs in the country,” he noted.

Sunčica Kovačević echoed these sentiments, highlighting the importance of bringing journalists, lawyers, and civil society actors together to share knowledge and strategies.

A Call for Collaboration and Solidarity

While the path to adopting anti-SLAPP legislation remains uncertain, the message from Bosnia and Herzegovina’s journalists, lawyers, and activists is clear: collaboration and solidarity are essential. Through joint efforts and targeted training, they are better prepared to defend themselves and uphold the public’s right to know. /BV