Amenzi de până la 100.000 de lei pentru procese abuzive împotriva jurnaliștilor și cetățenilor implicați în dezbateri publice

New legislation in Romania imposes fines up to 100,000 lei for abusive lawsuits aimed at intimidating journalists and citizens involved in public debates. The law, effective from October 7, 2026, aims to protect individuals from civil actions used as tools for intimidation and financial pressure. It allows for the quick dismissal of clearly unfounded claims and applies to both domestic and cross-border cases. Beneficiaries include journalists, NGOs, and citizens addressing public interest issues. The law also introduces judicial fines for initiating abusive procedures and establishes mechanisms for rapid rejection of such claims. Additionally, it mandates the publication of court decisions related to these cases.