**NICOSIA, CYPRUS** – In a significant stride towards bolstering press freedom and protecting public discourse, the Republic of Cyprus is set to enact comprehensive legislation designed to shield individuals and organisations from vexatious legal actions known as Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPPs). The proposed bill, meticulously crafted to align with European Union directives, aims to curb the insidious practice of using the courts to intimidate and silence critics, thereby safeguarding the vital work of journalists, activists, and whistleblowers.
The impending enactment of the "Protection of Persons Engaging in Public Participation from Manifestly Unfounded Lawsuits or Abusive Court Proceedings Law of 2025" signifies a proactive stance by the Cypriot government against a growing global trend. Wealthy or influential entities have frequently leveraged protracted and costly legal battles, not to seek genuine redress, but to drain the resources and morale of those who dare to scrutinise their actions or expose wrongdoing. This new legal framework is intended to erect substantial barriers against such predatory litigation, ensuring that legitimate expressions of concern on matters of public interest are not stifled by the threat of financial ruin or prolonged legal entanglement.
Central to the legislation is the establishment of a robust mechanism for the early dismissal of lawsuits deemed to be "manifestly unfounded." This provision empowers judges to scrutinise claims at their inception and to reject those lacking a demonstrable, legitimate basis. Furthermore, the bill introduces a crucial shift in the burden of proof, compelling plaintiffs to affirmatively demonstrate the validity of their claims rather than placing the onus on defendants to disprove them. This recalibration is a critical step in preventing the abuse of the judicial system as a tool for intimidation, ensuring that legal recourse is reserved for genuine grievances rather than strategic suppression.
The law also equips the judiciary with enhanced powers to penalise those who engage in abusive litigation. Courts will be authorised to order plaintiffs to cover the entirety of a defendant's legal expenses, a measure designed to serve as a potent deterrent against frivolous lawsuits. In particularly egregious cases, judges may also mandate financial guarantees from plaintiffs before proceedings can commence, further mitigating the risk of defendants being subjected to unwarranted financial strain. Crucially, the legislation permits defendants to pursue damages through counterclaims, offering a pathway for redress when they have been demonstrably harmed by malicious legal actions.
This legislative initiative is not solely focused on cross-border disputes; it explicitly extends its protective embrace to purely domestic cases, recognising that the threat of SLAPPs is a pervasive issue within Cyprus itself. The definition of "public interest" is being broadly interpreted to encompass a wide array of activities, including those pertaining to fundamental rights, democratic processes, and allegations of administrative or criminal misconduct. This comprehensive scope is vital for ensuring that journalists investigating corruption, environmental activists raising concerns, or whistleblowers exposing malfeasance are afforded the full protection of the law.
Cyprus is mandated to integrate these EU-driven provisions into its national legal order by May 7, 2026. The Law Office is committed to expediting the bill's passage through the House of Representatives, signalling a strong political will to enact these crucial protections without delay. The anticipated impact of this legislation is profound: a fortified legal bulwark against the weaponisation of the courts, a more secure environment for local media and human rights defenders, and ultimately, a more vibrant and resilient public sphere where open discourse and accountability can flourish unimpeded.