SLAPPs Targeting Women Journalists Covering Gender Issues: 2020 – 2024
Women Press Freedom identifies 12 SLAPPs targeting women journalists reporting on gender issues, some journalists facing multiple SLAPPs.
Overview
SLAPPs against women journalists covering gender issues are a global problem, with cases spanning multiple continents and legal systems.
Turkiye emerges as a notable hotspot for SLAPPs against women journalists covering gender issues, with diverse charges being utilized to target and silence the press.
Defamation remains the most common charge, used extensively to target journalists globally.
There is variability in judicial outcomes for SLAPP cases, with some courts upholding press freedom and others imposing penalties.
Despite a peak in cases in 2021, the number of incidents remains significant, indicating ongoing systemic efforts to undermine women journalists.
Many cases remain unresolved, indicating ongoing legal harassment and the sustained pressure on journalists.
Gender Related Issues Covered by Journalists Facing SLAPPs
Other Legal Harassment Tactics Identified by Women Press Freedom to Target Press Covering Gender
Governmental Pressure: Legal actions often stem from state authorities or influential individuals within the government or associated institutions. Women journalists covering feminist events, women’s marches or other events are frequently investigated for “participating in unlawful assemblies,” “spreading misinformation,” or “violating religious sentiments.” Journalists, particularly in Turkiye are often detained during or after covering feminist events, with their equipment often destroyed.