Important Update on Human Rights Violations & #SLAPPs in the UK
On 22nd August 2023, Justice for All International, a Geneva-based NGO specializing in human rights complaints to UN entities, represented by its founder and secretary, Sharof Azizov, in collaboration with Professor Douwe Korff, a renowned UK-based international human rights expert, submitted a complaint to the United Nations Human Rights Council’s Special Rapporteurs.
The complaint, spanning 44 pages, sheds light on major human rights violations stemming from the misuse of Section 11 of the Scottish Contempt of Court Act 1981. The case in point is the flawed prosecution of Mr. Craig Murray, which we believe is a clear example of a Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation (SLAPP). This represents political persecution, judicial harassment, and a stark infringement on freedom of expression, violating multiple articles of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR).
The UK currently lacks any #antiSLAPP legislation, a concerning gap as SLAPPs increasingly become tools to suppress legitimate reporting. While the UK government is making strides with amendments in the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Bill to tackle SLAPPs related to economic crimes, it's essential to note that many cases, like Mr. Murray's, would remain unprotected. The government's current measures aim to cover only 70 percent of SLAPP cases, leaving a significant portion at risk.
SLAPPs, often initiated by powerful entities, aim to silence criticism through legal intimidation. The influence of oligarchs in such lawsuits is evident, but there’s a glaring discrepancy when the government itself initiates SLAPPs to silence dissent. This selective approach, especially in the context of oligarchs, showcases a concerning ignorance towards the broader implications of SLAPPs beyond just economic crimes.
Additionally, HM Treasury’s Office for Financial #Sanctions Implementation (OFSI) has made it clear that frozen funds should not be used for legal fees in defamation cases, emphasizing the public interest. Changes have also been made to the Russian and Belarussian Legal Services General Licence, further highlighting the selective stance against certain entities while ignoring the broader issue.
We urge the international community to remain vigilant and advocate for comprehensive protections against SLAPPs, oligarch influence, and uphold the principles of freedom of expression and the rule of law.
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