ANTON HARBER: Laws needed to stop SLAPPs against journalists
Parts of the private sector are increasingly using the courts to silence investigative reporting
The media and investigative reporters in particular are facing a new kind of onslaught, this time not from the state but from elements of the private sector.
The site of this battle is the courts, and the hired guns are large teams of senior and junior counsel (eight silks representing one party in a recent case). Often the cases are flimsy, but the intention is — win or lose — to wear the journalists down, distract them from their work and drain their resources with large legal fees. These are called SLAPP suits, or strategic litigation against public participation — legal action that is not in pursuit of justice but is intended to make it too costly for investigative reporters or activists to do their work. ..
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.