THE NATIONAL UNION OF
JOURNALISTS OF UKRAINE
The National Union of Journalists of Ukraine (NUJU) has published groundbreaking research on Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPP) targeting Ukrainian journalists and media outlets, revealing concerning patterns that threaten press freedom in the country.
The comprehensive study analyzed 36 SLAPP cases, finding that the average court proceeding lasted a staggering 813 days – more than two years of legal pressure designed to intimidate journalists and drain their resources.
“These artificial proceedings are mostly initiated by businessmen, politicians, or other influential individuals who try to protect their interests by intimidating journalists and forcing them to abandon their criticism,” the report states.
Particularly troubling is the fact that 15 of the 36 analyzed cases were filed during the martial law period, indicating that judicial pressure on journalists has continued and even intensified during the war.
The vast majority of cases involved claims of protection of honor, dignity, and business reputation, often coupled with demands for significant moral damages. While courts dismissed many claims or reduced compensation amounts, the prolonged legal battles created substantial stress and financial burden for journalists.
“None of the analyzed court cases is pleasant for journalists and other persons who have become victims of such actions,” the researchers note, having collected testimonials from affected media workers throughout Ukraine.
One journalist from Rivne region shared: “One of the candidates for deputies demanded that the newspaper print a defamatory article about his opponent in the elections. He filed a lawsuit against the refusal to print the article proposed by his campaign headquarters.”
The NUJU is calling for legislative amendments to protect journalists from unfounded SLAPP lawsuits and the development of a comprehensive strategy based on both national court practices and European Court of Human Rights principles.
“Only through joint efforts of civil society organizations, media representatives and lawyers we can create a safe environment for journalistic activities and avoid the possibility of the SLAPP phenomenon in Ukraine,” the report concludes.
RESEARCH on SLAPP lawsuits against Ukrainian journalists and media actors
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