The National Institute of Justice is strengthening its expertise in countering Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPPs) – abusive court actions with severe financial and moral consequences, aimed at intimidating critical voices. NIJ trainers – Gheorghe Stratulat, Judge at the Supreme Court of Justice, and Vladimir Palamarciuc, PhD and Lawyer, participated in the Training of Trainers programme dedicated to this pressing issue, held between 24–26 September 2025 in Strasbourg under the auspices of the Council of Europe.
The event brought together participants from Moldova, Ukraine, Georgia, Azerbaijan and Poland, equipping them with the knowledge and practical tools needed to deliver training on SLAPPs in their home countries.
The programme followed the Council of Europe’s official nine-module curriculum on SLAPPs, combining expert presentations, group discussions, case analysis, and interactive exercises. Trainers Dragan Sekulovski and Dominika Bychawska-Siniarska guided the sessions, with local trainers contributing examples from their national contexts. Participants explored the definition and indicators of SLAPPs, European instruments and standards, the documentation of cases and use of online resources, as well as procedural safeguards, remedies, and support measures for journalists and other public watchdogs. They also had the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in designing and delivering training activities and to receive immediate feedback from peers and experts.
The Training of Trainers builds on ongoing Council of Europe work to counter SLAPPs across the region, including Recommendation CM/Rec(2024)2 and reference materials such as the Guide to Council of Europe Standards Limiting the Use of Criminal Law to Restrict Freedom of Expression.
