Coalition against SLAPPs in Europe Collapse
Free Press Unlimited is part of the Coalition Against SLAPPs in Europe (CASE), a coalition of 80 non-governmental organisations working to protect civil society and journalists from SLAPPs (strategic lawsuits against public participation).
Often instituted by wealthy and powerful actors, SLAPPs are groundless lawsuits against journalists, human rights defenders and civil society organisations whose main purpose is to intimidate, pressure and force them into self-censorship.
As part of CASE, Free Press Unlimited coordinates the Dutch SLAPPs Working Group. This multi-stakeholder group is working on a national level to raise awareness and strengthen policy on SLAPPs. In addition to Free Press Unlimited, the group consists of:
- Boekx Lawyers: Otto Volgenant, lawyer and partner
- Leiden University and University of Amsterdam: Tarlach McGonagle, Professor and Associate Professor
- Greenpeace International: Daniel Simons, Senior Legal Counsel
- Netherlands Society of Journalists: Thomas Bruning
- NDP Nieuwsmedia: Jim Verhoef and Maurits van Es
- Amnesty International
- Netherlands Helsinki Committee: Aïcha Chaghouani, Relations and Advocacy Officer
- Prakken d'Oliveira: Emiel Jurjens, lawyer
- Milieudefensie: Eline Zeilmaker
On behalf of Free Press Unlimited, Emma Bergmans and Jasmijn de Zeeuw participate in the Working Group. For questions about or for the Working Group, please email: antislapp@freepressunlimited.org.
