Parlamentul bulgar a adoptat o reformă care îi va proteja pe jurnalişti şi pe activişti de procesele de intimidare

The Bulgarian Parliament has adopted a reform to better protect journalists and activists from SLAPP lawsuits, which aim to intimidate rather than seek justice. This reform goes beyond the minimum European requirements, allowing early dismissal of baseless claims and imposing strict deadlines for courts. It also applies to ongoing cases if the first hearing has not yet occurred. Ten organizations advocating for freedom of expression welcomed the reform as a significant step forward. Legal expert Aleksandr Kaşumov noted that many ongoing cases have a paralyzing effect on free speech, with the European Commission highlighting the continued use of SLAPP against journalists in Bulgaria.