Overview
- The draft transposes the EU Anti‑SLAPP directive to protect journalists, activists, scientists and NGOs from lawsuits aimed at silencing public participation.
- Courts would be empowered to fast‑track suspected SLAPPs, require plaintiffs to post security for defense costs, impose special fees on abusive suits, and order publication of higher‑instance rulings.
- The measure would apply only to disputes with a cross‑border element affecting multiple EU states, leaving questions about how internet publications will be treated.
- The proposal defines SLAPPs as cases primarily intended to prevent, restrict or punish participation in public debate, including demonstrations, news articles, social media posts and scientific studies.
- Justice Minister Stefanie Hubig said such cases are rare in Germany but more common elsewhere, and typical plaintiffs include powerful lobby groups, corporations and wealthy individuals.