'A tax defaulting landlord tried to use the law to transform himself into the victim' - NUJ describes Christian Carter case as 'chilling'

Séamus Dooley, the Irish Secretary of the National Union of Journalists (NUJ), is advocating for legal reform to combat the misuse of SLAPP (Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation) orders that aim to silence journalism. His condemnation of a case involving anti-stalking legislation, intended to shield a rogue landlord from scrutiny, highlights the urgent need for protections that ensure journalists can report without fear of legal retribution. The NUJ considers such attempts to stifle reporting profoundly threatening to freedom of expression and accountability in society.

“The chilling attempt to silence journalists through SLAPP orders not only harms press freedom but also undermines public accountability and transparency in society.”

“Dooley urges legal reform, stating that the misuse of anti-stalking laws by individuals like Christian Carter to shield themselves from scrutiny is completely unacceptable.”

Read at Independent