INJ trainers trained in Strasbourg in combating SLAPPs

The National Institute of Justice is strengthening its expertise in combating strategic lawsuits against public participation (SLAPPs) – abusive court actions with severe financial and moral consequences to intimidate critical voices. INJ trainers - Gheorghe Stratulat, judge at the Supreme Court of Justice, and Vladimir Palamarciuc, doctor of law and lawyer, participated in the training program for trainers dedicated to this current topic, which took place between September 24-26, 2025, in Strasbourg, under the auspices of the Council of Europe.

The event brought together professionals from the Republic of Moldova, Ukraine, Georgia, Azerbaijan and Poland, providing them with the knowledge and practical tools needed to carry out, in turn, SLAPPs training in their home countries.

The agenda followed the official curriculum of the Council of Europe, consisting of nine modules, with presentations, group discussions, case studies and interactive exercises. The sessions were facilitated by experts Dragan Sekulovski and Dominika Bychawska-Siniarska, with the involvement of local trainers.

During three days, participants explored the definition and indicators of SLAPPs, European tools and standards, ways to document cases and use online resources, as well as procedural guarantees, remedies and support measures for journalists and other public interest defenders. They also had the opportunity to gain direct experience in designing and delivering training activities and to receive immediate feedback from peers and experts.

The training of trainers program built on the ongoing activities of the Council of Europe to combat SLAPPs in the region, including Recommendation CM/Rec(2024)2 and reference materials such as "Guidelines on Council of Europe standards for limiting the use of criminal law in restricting freedom of expression".