The UK government has promised to reform media laws that allow wealthy individuals and oligarchs to use libel threats to stifle investigative journalism. The move follows concerns over Russian oligarchs using London law firms to intimidate reporters, particularly after the invasion of Ukraine.
Justice Secretary Dominic Raab announced plans for legislation to tackle strategic litigation against public participation, or Slapps. These are lawsuits aimed at suppressing public interest reporting through abusive legal tactics. A call for evidence on the issue closed last month.
Critics point to cases like that of Jho Low, a Malaysian businessman wanted for alleged fraud, who hired the law firm Schillings to threaten libel actions against retailers selling a book about him. Free speech campaigners warned such tactics could intimidate booksellers and set a dangerous precedent.
Journalists say English media laws on defamation, privacy, and data protection are among the most restrictive in the world. They argue that the legal system is lopsided, allowing the rich to silence scrutiny. The government's reforms aim to level the playing field and protect public interest journalism.
