Stefanie Hubig Cracks Down: Taking Aim at Intimidation Lawsuits to Protect Free Speech
Hubig To Implement Tougher Rules Against Lawsuits Based on Intimidation Claims
Take on those bully lawsuits! Federal Justice Minister Stefanie Hubig is tackling abusive litigation with a new law to bolster free speech in Germany. Larger entities often use intimidation lawsuits, or SLAPPs (Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation), to silence voices that criticize them. "Individuals, organizations, journalists, and scientists are being shut down by these abusive lawsuits," said Hubig to the Funke media group newspapers. "That's how their voices get silenced."
SLAPPs are baseless lawsuits targeted at suppressing public opinions. As outlined in a bill to be published this Friday by the Justice Ministry, such lawsuits aim to stop individuals from exercising their right to freedom of speech and press, as well as thwarting the democratic process by endangering public discourse.
Hubig clarified that the ability to sue would remain unchanged with the new anti-SLAPP law, but the court could penalize abusive litigants with higher fees. This penalty helps deter those who target individuals with frivolous litigation to silence them.
Moreover, Hubig plans to expedite the closure of SLAPP cases and hold plaintiffs responsible for the costs of frivolous lawsuits, dissuading them from using legal action as a weapon against free speech. "Court proceedings should not be exploited to make life miserable for those who engage in public affairs," said Hubig.
As part of a broader European initiative, Germany aims to implement the corresponding EU Directive through this law. The Netherlands, for instance, tested its own anti-SLAPP law in July 2025.
References: ntv.de, mau
- Stefanie Hubig
- Federal Ministry of Justice
- Lawsuits
- Free Speech
In-depth
SLAPPs are tactics used by corporations, governments, or influential individuals to suppress free speech, particularly in matters of public interest such as environmental activism and anti-corruption efforts. To counter these tactics, countries like Thailand have enacted anti-SLAPP legislation, which Estonia and the European Union are also considering. These measures provide defendants with protection against unfounded lawsuits by making it easier to dismiss them, shifting costs to plaintiffs, and offering legal support to defendants.
Under Hubig's proposal, courts are expected to have early dismissal mechanisms, cost-shifting provisions, and protections for whistleblowers and activists. Defendants may also gain access to state-supported legal aid or expedited processes if faced with frivolous lawsuits. The law aims to create strong protections against bully lawsuits while facilitating free expression, consistent with evolving European standards and global best practices[1][3][4].
- The new anti-SLAPP law proposed by Stefanie Hubig, Federal Justice Minister, aims to penalize abusive litigants who use intimidation lawsuits to suppress free speech and public discourse, as part of a broader European initiative against such tactics.
- In line with the EU Directive, Germany intends to expedite the handling of SLAPP cases, hold plaintiffs responsible for costs of frivolous lawsuits, and provide protection for whistleblowers and activists, reinforcing the principles of policy-and-legislation, general-news, and politics in ensuring free speech and public interest.
