Back Strengthening legal capacity to defend freedom of expression – Lawyers discuss SLAPPs in Pristina

Strengthening legal capacity to defend freedom of expression – Lawyers discuss SLAPPs in Pristina

In an era where freedom of expression faces increasing challenges, strengthening the capacity of legal professionals to safeguard this fundamental right is crucial. In this context, the EU and Council of Europe joint action “Protecting freedom of expression and of the media (PROFREX)”,  gathered in an open discussion in Pristina, lawyers and legal professionals to deepen their understanding on freedom of expression, defamation, and the growing threat posed by Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPPs).

The event provided participants with a comprehensive overview of international human rights law, with a focus on key principles related to freedom of expression. Discussions highlighted the role of media, NGOs, and other watchdogs in promoting transparency and accountability. Participants explored the balance between safeguarding freedom of expression and protecting individual privacy and reputation, supported by key case law from the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR).

Special attention was given to the increasing use of SLAPPs, a form of legal intimidation designed to silence critical voices. Lawyers examined important European instruments in the field, including the Council of Europe Committee of Ministers’ Recommendation CM/Rec(2024)2 and the Directive (EU) 2024/1069 of the European Parliament  aimed at countering such abusive practices and engaged in practical exercises to identify and respond effectively to these cases.

This capacity-building activity was organised in close cooperation with the Kosovo Bar Association. 

The action “Protecting freedom of expression and of the media (PROFREX)”, implemented by the Division for Cooperation on Freedom of Expression of the Council of Europe, is part of the joint European Union and the Council of Europe programme “Horizontal Facility for the Western Balkans and Türkiye”.

Pristina 15 March
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Fifty practitioners to enhance skills in provision of occupational therapy

Following the adoption of the Guidelines for Occupational Therapy (OT), as well as the Training of Trainers (ToT) on OT that took place in January 2024, three 2-day cascade training sessions were organised in the course of February and March 2024.  Fifty professionals, mainly from the Prison Health Department, along with representatives from the Correctional Services, Institute for Forensic Psychiatry, and the Special Institute for Persons with Mental and Physical Disabilities, were trained on this important form of therapy.

To complement the theoretical aspects and provide the trainees with practical knowledge, some of the sessions were conducted in the Dubrava Prison, in a section which houses prisoners with both mental and somatic problems. This on-site training allowed the participants to observe and understand the application of OT principles in a real-life setting, thus enhancing their learning experience by connecting theory and practice.

These cascade training sessions allowed the participants to further improve their skills in applying the OT Guidelines and tools in prisons and other closed institutions, a concept which was thus far not utilised in a structured manner. Furthermore, training healthcare and correctional professionals together helps them further strengthen the inter-institutional cooperation in the treatment and rehabilitation of some of the most vulnerable members of the society.

Each of these sessions were facilitated by two trainers who had participated in the ToT in January and were supervised and mentored by a Council of Europe consultant who has been involved in the process since the very beginning, thus further strengthening institutional capacity to provide training.

The activity was conducted under the auspices of the Council of Europe project “Improvement of the treatment of persons deprived of liberty”.

 

 

*All references to Kosovo, whether to the territory, institutions, or population, in this text shall be understood in full compliance with United National Security Council Resolution 1244 and without prejudice to the status of Kosovo.

Istog/ Istok 26 March 2024
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