Over 60 law and journalism students at the University of Montenegro took a stand against legal intimidation and threats to media freedom by participating in the country’s first-ever university lecture on  Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPPs).

Organised under the joint EU and Council of Europe action “Protecting Freedom of Expression and of the Media in Montenegro,” and hosted in co-operation with the Faculty of Law and the Faculty of Political Science, the event introduced students to the rising use of SLAPPS as a tool to silence critical voices.

This pioneering educational initiative offered students hands-on insight into international standards and best practices related to the protection of freedom of expression and the safety of journalists. It marked a significant step in raising awareness and building capacities among young professionals who will play a crucial role in defending democratic values and media pluralism in the region.

During the lecture, students were introduced to key legal instruments and mechanisms used at the European and international level to counter SLAPPs. They also gained insights into how such lawsuits are used to silence critical voices, intimidate journalists, and stifle public debate. By examining real-life case studies and engaging in open discussion, participants were encouraged to reflect on the importance of legal and institutional safeguards that protect those who speak out in the public interest.

The event was not only an informative session but also an inspiring experience for many students, sparking interest in media law, human rights, and democratic accountability. It also laid the groundwork for further collaboration between academic institutions and international organisations in promoting media freedom and freedom of expression in Montenegro.

This lecture represents a valuable first step in building a culture of legal literacy and resilience against SLAPPs among the next generation of legal and media professionals.

This activity has been implemented by the action “Protecting freedom of expression and of the media in Montenegro” under the joint European Union and Council of Europe Programme “Horizontal Facility for the Western Balkans and Türkiye".