Government Office Intervenes in Journalist Protection Law, Lawyer Claims New Legislation Discriminates Against Citizens

Slovakia's Government Office has intervened in proposed legislation designed to protect journalists from harassment lawsuits, according to legal experts who claim the new law creates discriminatory protections. A lawyer argues that the legislation discriminates against ordinary citizens by providing special legal shields for journalists while leaving regular citizens vulnerable to similar harassment lawsuits from domestic politicians and corporations. The intervention by the Government Office, which serves as the administrative body supporting the prime minister and cabinet, has raised concerns about the scope and fairness of the proposed journalist protection measures. The law was intended to address the growing problem of strategic lawsuits against public participation (SLAPP suits) that are used to intimidate journalists and silence critical reporting, but critics now argue it creates an unequal legal framework that favors media professionals over other citizens who may face similar legal harassment.