Madeleine Petersen Weiner: “Despite all concerns about the functioning of public discourse without fear of reprisals or influence, it is clear that in a democratic constitutional state, the right to protection from false allegations and defamation must be just as protected as the right to freedom of expression.”

The fact that the Higher Regional Court in Dresden, Germany based its decision on a directive that has not yet been implemented is unusual and raises a number of questions. In order to ensure effective and comprehensive protection against SLAPP claims and to clarify potential uncertainties among judges, the legislator must swiftly and fully transpose the directive into German law.

Attorney Dr. Jonas Kahl: "When dealing with SLAPPs, it is particularly important to be able to separate any smokescreens from the actual core of the dispute. Only on this basis can clients gain a realistic view of the actual risks of the dispute."

Europe’s top human rights body acknowledges the chilling effect of WikiLeaks Publisher’s detention for media freedom