Source: Post Courier March 26 2025

The Media Council of Papua New Guinea convened its latest Press Club event focusing on the alarming increase of Strategic Litigation Against Public Participation (SLAPP) lawsuits.

Held at the Lamana Hotel, in Port Moresby, earlier today, the council highlighted the detrimental impact these lawsuits have on freedom of speech and public discourse.

SLAPP lawsuits, as defined during the discussion, are an abusive legal tactic designed to silence critical voices, stifle scrutiny, and suppress public debate.

Unlike legitimate legal proceedings aimed at resolving disputes, SLAPP lawsuits are primarily intended to intimidate journalists, human rights defenders, whistleblowers, and critics by draining their resources through costly legal battles.

Eddie Tanago, Campaign Coordinator for ACT NOW! who was also a guest speaker at the discussion said; “There’s a rise in the use of this technique by big corporations, companies, and even governments to suppress freedom of speech.”

He further emphasized the urgent need to address this growing threat to democratic principles.

Mr Tanago pointed out that SLAPP lawsuits represent a serious abuse of the legal system, with lawyers who facilitate such actions potentially facing professional misconduct charges in several countries, including the United States, Great Britain, Australia, and the European Union, have already taken steps to outlaw SLAPP lawsuits.

“The media plays a very critical role in informing citizens, and reporting facts should be paramount,” Mr Tanago emphasized. “We should all be responsible when it comes to informing our citizens.”

It was discussed that there is a need for education of the public about SLAPP and the effect in suppressing the freedom of speech and a call for participation of training for the judiciary, judges and magistrates, so they are able to identify SLAPP in the offset of any cases at all.

Post Courier link- https://www.postcourier.com.pg/media-council-warns-against-rising-tide-o...