The conference emphasized Albania’s commitment to transpose and implement anti-SLAPP instruments, supporting public participation and ensuring freedom of expression and media.

The Ministry of Justice has started work on implementing these standards, leading the process of strengthening democracy and protecting journalists against strategic lawsuits aimed at silencing them.

SLAPP lawsuits (Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation) are lawsuits that are observed to be unfounded and likely to fail in court. Through these lawsuits, the plaintiff does not aim to win the case but seeks to intimidate and discourage journalists or activists from further reporting on issues of public interest, forcing them to go through lengthy and costly legal processes.

/sm/