A court case in the Netherlands could impact global protest rights as legal actions from fossil fuel companies against activists rise. Greenpeace International is leveraging a new EU directive to reclaim damages stemming from a previous $660m ruling favoring Energy Transfer. Campaigners highlight aggressive legal tactics from corporations designed to stifle critics. Activists, journalists, and free speech advocates are increasingly faced with strategic lawsuits against public participation (SLAPP). Experts report a rise in SLAPP cases, with over 1,000 recorded since 2010, and a recent ruling could establish a legal defense against such intimidation tactics.
This week's case was the start of a fightback by civil society groups determined to defend the democratic right to protest and free speech.
Fossil fuel corporations, after losing the argument in the court of public opinion, are increasingly weaponising courtrooms to silence their critics.
Experts say these so-called Slapp cases are on the rise across the board. The Coalition Against Slapps in Europe has identified over 1,000 such cases between 2010 and 2023.
A ruling informed by the new EU anti-Slapp directive may set a precedent that could turn the tide on legal bullying and provide a legal shield for campaigners.
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