SLAPP lawsuits, intimidation and threats: A slap in the face of engaged citizens?

Within our Engaged Democracy Initiative, the European Fund for the Balkans and Institute for Democratic Engagement Southeast Europe, are organising a panel: SLAPP lawsuits, intimidation and threats: A slap in the face of engaged citizens?. It will take place in Pristina on November 14, at 5:30 pm at Dit' e Nat'.

Speakers at this public discussion will be Adelina Hasani (Prizma Medium, Prizren), Milica Andrić Rakić (New Social Initiative, North Mitrovica), Xheni Karaj (Alliance Against Discrimination of LGBT, Tirana) and Tara Petrović (Civic Initiatives, Belgrade), moderated by Antigona Isufi (BIRN Kosovo).  At this panel we want to discuss the vulnerable position that civil society activists and engaged individuals face in the entire Western Balkans region. From direct physical attacks that we saw at the Euro Pride in Belgrade, to using abusing lawsuits known as SLAPP to silence journalists and activists, we are witnessing threats and intimidation of those fighting to change the status quo. These examples further demonstrate the need for connecting initiatives and movements regionally and nurturing regional solidarity, because no matter whether they are fighting in Sinjajevina, Tirana or Jajce, their interconnection and exchange of experience provide a safety net against corrupt and authoritarian institutions and officials.