Welcome to the Coalition Against SLAPPs in Africa (CASA) – a movement birthed from the urgent need to confront and dismantle the oppressive force of Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPPs) across our continent. Convened by the Southern Africa Resource Watch (SARW) and the Bench Marks Foundation, CASA stands as a beacon of hope and resilience for activists, human rights defenders, and all those committed to preserving freedom of speech, accountability, and justice in Africa.

Stand Up Against the Silencers: The Battle Against SLAPPs

“SLAPPs – Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation – are not just lawsuits; they are weapons wielded to silence and intimidate. By targeting individuals and organizations daring to speak out on matters of public interest or challenge injustices, SLAPPs undermine our fundamental rights to free speech and healthy debate. The devastating consequences of SLAPPs, marked by drained resources and muzzled voices, underscore the pressing need for our collective action and legal reform.”

Why This Matters

Imagine facing a lawsuit not for being wrong, but for being heard. That’s the reality of SLAPPs. These suits, often baseless, are not about seeking justice. Their real purpose is to burden critics with the cost and hassle of a legal defence, pressuring them into silence. This tactic not only stifles debate but also undermines the principles of free speech and healthy discourse. It’s a manipulation of the legal system to serve personal or corporate interests, at the expense of public dialogue.

The Cost of Silence

The consequences of SLAPPs are dire: voices are muzzled, stories go untold, and injustices remain unchallenged. The financial strain can be immense, with legal defences stretching over years and costing thousands. Faced with this, many choose silence over the risk of financial ruin. This chilling effect on free speech is a loss for the entire society, stifling the exchange of ideas and the robust debates that are essential for a healthy democracy.

Your Voice Matters

This is not just a legal issue; it’s a call to action. SLAPPs represent a direct assault on our ability to engage in meaningful dialogue and hold power to account. It’s time to stand together for the right to speak, to debate, and to participate in the public arena without fear of retribution. Legal reform is crucial to protect individuals from these baseless legal threats and to ensure that free speech remains a cornerstone of our democratic society.

Join the movement to defend free speech and push back against SLAPPs. Your voice can help shape a future where public participation is celebrated, not suppressed. Let’s work together to safeguard our rights and foster a culture of open, healthy debate.

SLAPP suits are legal actions by powerful individuals or entities to intimidate and silence their critics by generating negative publicity. These suits are particularly damaging to free speech and healthy debate, as they often target individuals who communicate with their government or speak out on public issues. Despite having no legitimate legal claims against their critics, SLAPP suits are effective because they can force critics to spend significant time and resources defending themselves, even against meritless claims. The process can take years and cost thousands of dollars, which means many people agree to muzzle themselves, apologise, or “correct” statements to avoid these suits. SLAPP suits undermine the principles of free speech and healthy debate, which is why they are a serious concern.