N1 Slovenia said on Wednesday that the University Psychiatric Clinic in Ljubljana filed six lawsuits against that media outlet.
“After publishing an investigative report in the public interest of the Ljubljana Psychiatric Clinic, N1 Slovenia has received six damages lawsuits filed by the University Psychiatric Clinic Ljubljana. „The goal of these lawsuits is clear, although unattainable: to silence and halt critical reporting,“ said N1 Slovenia’s editor-in-chief and director, Katja Šeruga,” a press release said.
“The Slovenian Journalists’ Association (DNS) warns that this is a case of so-called SLAPP lawsuits (Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation), which attempt to silence critical reporting and attack media freedom. SLAPP lawsuits are one of the most reprehensible forms of pressure on the media. In this case, a public institution, the University Psychiatric Clinic (UPK) Ljubljana, is filing them using taxpayers’ money,” it added.
“Given the circumstances of the lawsuits and their content, it is evident that their primary purpose is not to seek excessive compensation but rather to deter reporting and punish past reporting on UPK Ljubljana. The claims are unfounded, as indicated by the composition of the lawsuits, where the plaintiff states, in broad terms, that the article contains „false and malicious claims“ before attaching the full article—most of which consists of reporting on facts that are true and easily verifiable.
“The Ljubljana Psychiatric Clinic initiated multiple legal proceedings against N1 Slovenia on the same topic, seeking damages for each article separately, even though the claims could have been consolidated into a single lawsuit.
“DNS condemns such misuse of legal resources and highlights that it is particularly reprehensible that the lawsuits against journalist Barbara M. Smajila, editor-in-chief Katja Šeruga, and the companies Adria News Production and Adria News Sarl are being filed by a public institution using taxpayers’ money. According to DNS, these lawsuits fit the definition of SLAPP, as the claims lack clarity, and the article’s content relies on accurate and verifiable facts.
“DNS further notes that the clinic could have consolidated the claims into a single proceeding instead of filing multiple separate lawsuits, suggesting an attempt to burden the media with legal proceedings. They also warn about the disproportionately high compensation claims, which confirm the intent to intimidate and financially drain the media outlet.
“According to N1’s In-depth section editor, Suzana Lovec, these lawsuits are „clear and systematic attempts to intimidate the media, the editor, and the journalist to prevent further reporting on an issue that is undoubtedly in the public interest.“
“Barbara M. Smajila’s articles, which were also picked up by other Slovenian media, were prepared in accordance with the highest journalistic standards. After their publication, the Ljubljana Psychiatric Clinic conducted a systemic review.
SLAPP lawsuits pose a serious threat to journalism and the public interest in Slovenia. DNS, therefore, calls on the District Court of Ljubljana to use all available mechanisms to minimize potential harm to the media. They also urge the leadership of the Ljubljana Psychiatric Clinic, including the institution’s board, to immediately cease the unfounded and malicious legal prosecution of critical journalists and N1 Slovenia.
“DNS expresses its expectation that the competent ministry will expedite the adoption of legislation on protective measures for individuals engaged in public affairs, thereby ensuring the legal protection of journalists and media outlets against such unfounded pressures,” the press release said.
Source: N1
