The Republic of Cyprus has moved to shield journalists, activists, and whistleblowers from predatory legal actions with the introduction of a bill designed to curb “Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation” (SLAPPs).
Titled the Protection of Persons Engaging in Public Participation from Manifestly Unfounded Lawsuits or Abusive Court Proceedings Law of 2025, the legislation aligns Cyprus with EU Directive 2024/1069. It establishes a robust legal framework to prevent wealthy or powerful entities from using the court system to silence dissent or intimidate those speaking out on matters of public interest.
Under the proposed law, defendants who are targeted for their involvement in issues such as corruption, environmental protection, or public health can apply for the early dismissal of lawsuits deemed “manifestly unfounded.” Critically, the bill introduces a special rule for the burden of proof: the plaintiff—not the defendant—must demonstrate that the legal action has a legitimate basis and is not an abuse of process.
The Law Office has ensured that the bill provides judges with the authority to penalise abusive litigants. Courts may order a plaintiff to cover the defendant’s full legal costs or demand a financial guarantee (security for costs) at the earliest stages of a trial if there are indications of bad faith. Furthermore, defendants can seek compensation for damages through counterclaims within the same proceedings.
While the original EU Directive focused on cross-border disputes, the Cypriot bill goes further by applying these protections to domestic cases. This expansion is seen as a vital safeguard for local media and human rights defenders, who often face disproportionately expensive litigation intended to cause financial and psychological exhaustion rather than to seek justice.
The legislation defines “public interest” broadly, covering activities related to fundamental rights, democratic processes, and allegations of administrative or criminal offences. The Republic is required to integrate these provisions into the national legal order by 7 May 2026, though the Law Office intends to fast-track the bill through the House of Representatives to meet growing calls for press freedom protections.
Read more: