When news site Apache‘s chief editor and its journalist Stef Arends were acquitted on 20 January 2021 for stalking and invasion of privacy in the so-called Fornuis case, the tribunal’s verdict was considered a boost for journalistic freedom and investigative reporting. The Antwerp Court of Appeal’s judgment of 9 June 2022 (condemning the civil party for abuse of process) confirms strong support for investigative journalism on issues of public interest, while at the same time acknowledging the detrimental impact of SLAPPs (Strategic Litigation Against Public Participation). This criminal case against Apache initiated by business man Erik Van der Paal is a timely illustration of the need to combat abuse of litigation against journalists, media, civil society organisations, academics or other public watchdogs.
Read the full article at Media Report.
