Taking a Stand Against Intimidation Lawsuits: Hubig Proposes Tougher Measures
Intimidation lawsuits to become more challenging with Hubig's changes
In a move to safeguard freedom of speech in Germany, Federal Justice Minister Stefanie Hubig has unveiled plans for a new law. This law aims to combat so-called intimidation lawsuits that often leave individuals, organizations, journalists, and scientists financially drained and silenced.
Hubig is addressing the issue head-on, stating, "These abusive lawsuits aim to suppress unwanted contributions to public opinion. They're merely tactics to intimidate and silence those who voice their opinions."
Known as SLAPP (Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation), these lawsuits are usually filed by powerful entities, governments, or influential individuals with the intent of suppressing unfavorable public discourse. Hubig's proposed law aligns with a recently adopted EU directive.
The new legislation serves to erect barriers against SLAPP lawsuits, primarily by imposing higher fees on plaintiffs and expediting the legal process. If the court determines a lawsuit to be baseless, the plaintiff may be required to pay increased court fees as a penalty. Additionally, defendants may recover a greater portion of legal expenses if the lawsuit is deemed frivolous.
"I strongly believe that court proceedings should not be used as a tool to harass those involved in public affairs," Hubig emphasizes. "Our goal is to ensure that these proceedings are expedited and cost-effective to discourage such abuse."
Worth noting, the right to file a lawsuit remains intact under the new anti-SLAPP legislation. The proposed law is just one more step in Hubig's ongoing efforts to uphold democratic rights and foster an open, free, and vibrant public discourse in Germany.
Sources: ntv.de, mau
- Stefanie Hubig
- Federal Ministry of Justice
- Lawsuits
In line with her goals to safeguard freedom of speech, Federal Justice Minister Stefanie Hubig proposes to introduce a new law targeting SLAPP lawsuits, which financially drain and silence individuals, organizations, journalists, and scientists. This proposed legislation aims to erect barriers by imposing higher fees on plaintiffs and expediting the legal process, with the intention of discouraging the use of lawsuits as tools for harassment in public affairs, thereby fostering a more open, free, and vibrant public discourse in the realm of policy-and-legislation and politics.
Under this new anti-SLAPP law, the right to file a lawsuit remains intact, but defendants may recover a greater portion of legal expenses if the lawsuit is deemed frivolous, further aligning with the EU's recently adopted directive on the matter. This move is part of Hubig's ongoing efforts to uphold democratic rights in the general-news landscape of Germany.
