“In May, unknown shot in Spain Andrei Portnov. Yanukovych’s associate and other pro -Russian forces had an extremely large impact on our law enforcement and judicial system, as for a person who has not been working in state structures for a long time.”, – WRITE: www.pravda.com.ua
One of the favorite methods of work of the dead was Slapp (a strategic lawsuit against public participation). The word “Slapp” is literally translated as slap. A kind of slap of the public – anyone who wants to illuminate corruption, expresses on important topics, criticizes influential figures or organization, or simply reports a violation.
How dangerous is Slapp? Slapp is a court case that is not intended to establish justice. Their goal is to intimidate, to make silence, to exhaust. The claims are filed against those who speak on socially important topics, turn to the authorities, lobbies changes or reports a violation. Slapp is not just a lawsuit. It is a tool for pressure on free speech.
Advertising:
What kind of danger is the following claims:
- Financial and legal advantage. Such claims are most commonly initiated by large companies or officials with lawyers and resources. In contrast, activists, journalists, ordinary citizens who cannot always afford a lawyer. Even a senseless claim needs protection – it can be years of struggle and high costs.
- Public interest as a threat. Slapp does not appear just like that – they occur after loud discussions, publications, speeches. Their goal is to stop public discussion. But when a lawsuit concerns economic conflict without public importance, it is another story.
- Intimidation effect. Slapp is not about winning in court. It’s about scaring. Create a precedent: “You expressed – get a claim.” And even if the case is losing, it can make a person silent, apologize or give up her position.
- Brushing and absurdity. The claims often have a weak legal basis, sometimes absurd. Plaintiffs demand compensation for what has never been. Because only one thing is needed – fear in your eyes.
- Artificially overpriced compensations. Amounts that appear in such cases – tens of thousands of dollars, sometimes against journalists, activists. It is pressure, clean manipulation and another lever to make them shut.
Most often, such “slap” is received by investigators and in general indifferent citizens who illuminate a particular evil.
Portnov, lawsuits, obstruction In Ukraine, Slapp is not regulated in any way, which creates great opportunities for structures and people with resources to sue, for example, media. Where they really need to fix the obstruction of journalistic activity, some may require compensation, protection of honor, dignity and reputation.
One of those who used it and showed others how to press the media was Andrei Portnov. One of the most demonstrative examples occurred in 2023, when Yanukovych’s associate was suggested against Natalia Sedletska’s Scheme journalist.
Portnov did not like the post of Natalia (for 2020!), Where she mentioned the negative attitude of Portnov to the editorial board, in particular, that he published personal data of the driver with the address of his residence and license plates eventually the sold car, and on the eve of the arson was publicly threatened. The arson of the car happened shortly after Andrei Portnov threatened the editorial board and spread personal information about the drivers and cars “Schemes” on his social networks.
Keep in mind that the deceased had a great impact on the judicial system of Ukraine for a long time, so he actually played on his field. And journalists, instead of habitual work and further investigations, are forced to spend time and resources on litigation. This literally paralyzes the media and gives corrupt officials and other unscrupulous people a fantastic pressure tool.
Another case happened to the investigation. Info, which also investigates.
In October 2024, the newspaper published the material called “The DBR official and his relatives bought real estate for 35 million”, which referred to the probably disproportionate income of the acquisition of property by the employee of the DBR Oleksandr Govorushchak and his family. The reaction was not delayed – the employee filed a lawsuit against the editorial board and journalist Yana Korniychuk, demanding that all the mentioned information mentioned, its deletion, as well as compensation for non -pecuniary damage – 40 thousand hryvnias on each side.
This step looks like a typical example of Slapp. The reaction to the public coverage of the topic that causes public resonance aimed at limiting further communication with society.
Countering is needed already Europe, Canada, the USA and Australia understand the danger of Slapp and are already opposed. In 2024, European standards were adopted to protect against Slapp:
- Recommendations of the Council of Europe CM/REC (2024) 2 on combating the use of strategic claims against public participation (SLAPPS);
- EU (EU) Directive 2024/1069 on the protection of persons involved in public activity from obviously unreasonable claims or abuse of lawsuits.
There are no such norms in Ukraine, but they could become an effective tool for protecting freedom of speech. And we do not need to invent something cardinal new, it is enough to take into account the experience and experience of European colleagues.
That is why the decision of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine on Freedom of Speech of 4 June 2025 approved the composition of the working group on the development of effective SLApp mechanisms from 28 participants. The representatives of the public, the media, the Ministry of Culture and Strategic Communications of Ukraine, the Secretariat of the Commissioner of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine for Human Rights, the People’s Deputies of Ukraine, etc. were composed of representatives.
The main goal is to develop proposals for improving Ukrainian legislation, referring to the aforementioned international acts. In fact, we want to prepare such a bill that will really prevent Slapp in Ukraine and protect journalists and active citizens from judicial abuse.
If we do not solve the issue with Slapp right now, then Portnov will live even after his death. And anyone will be able to use dirty techniques for media pressure and active citizens. It is too much luxury to leave such a large hole in the legislation.
Yaroslav Yurchyshyn
A column is a material that reflects the author’s point of view. The text of the column does not claim the objectivity and comprehensive coverage of the topic that rises in it. The editorial board of “Ukrainian Truth” is not responsible for the accuracy and interpretation of the information provided and plays only the role of the carrier. The editorial point of view in N may not coincide with the point of view of the author of the column.