Poland Introduces Law to Protect Critics from SLAPP Lawsuits

Poland has introduced new legal protections against strategic lawsuits against public participation (SLAPPs) — legal actions designed to intimidate and silence critics through costly litigation. The law was finalized on June 22, 2026.

Fast-Track Dismissal of Abusive Cases

Judges will now be able to dismiss, under expedited procedures, clearly unfounded claims and cases deemed an abuse of process. Courts can classify a case as a SLAPP even if parts of the claim appear legitimate, if the overall intent is to silence public participation.

SLAPPs became an increasing concern in Poland over the last decade. A 2021 report by the Journalism Society found that state-linked actors — including public bodies, state-owned firms, and officials — filed 187 lawsuits against journalists and media outlets between 2015 and 2021, with 66 cases showing signs of SLAPPs. The former Law and Justice (PiS) government, which ruled from 2015 to 2023, was regularly accused of using lawsuits to intimidate critics.

Mixed Reception

Human rights organizations welcomed the new law but warned that it is unlikely to eliminate attempts to intimidate critics through the courts altogether. "The courts will no longer be a tool for intimidating citizens," the justice ministry said.

For foreigners: If you're a journalist, researcher, activist, or business whistleblower working in Poland, this law offers new legal protections. You can now more easily defend against lawsuits filed primarily to drain your resources or silence reporting. However, enforcement will depend on judicial interpretation, so legal advice remains essential for anyone facing litigation.

Sources

• Notes from Poland — Poland introduces new law against SLAPP lawsuits