More information
Description
High fines for public engagement and criticism of the authorities, criminal and civil damages lawsuits for the purpose of intimidation, threats to public employees who choose to speak out, in different seemingly legal proceedings hidden attacks on media and civil society constitute a gross abuse of law by the state. We are establishing a legal network for the protection of democracy in order to reduce the gap in the available financial and legal resources between the state and individuals fighting for their rights. As the fines can have a big imact on the lives of volunarable groups, putting them in even harder positions than others. Some people are specifically targeted and get fines over and over again, even if they are just passing by (but are known to the public as critics of the government).
We will provide support to individuals, formally and informally organized networks and organizations to use legal means to challenge measures, procedures and policies that are illegal, unconstitutional and undemocratic. The applicant and partners are non-governmental organizations that combine legal and advocacy knowledge and are already recognized in Slovenia, either as organizations in the field of protection of vulnerable groups, promotion of more effective protection of human rights and democracy. ensuring community inclusion and establishing online tools for democratic participation.
Summary of project results
High fines for public engagement and criticism of the authorities, criminal and civil damages lawsuits for the purpose of intimidation, threats to public employees who choose to speak out, in different seemingly legal proceedings hidden attacks on media and civil society constitute a gross abuse of law by the state. The people don''t have the knowledge and means to fight against all these abuses and without support they will continue to happen.
The project promotors established a legal network for the protection of democracy in order to reduce the gap in the available financial and legal resources between the state and individuals fighting for their rights. As the fines can have a big imact on the lives of volunarable groups, putting them in even harder positions than others. Some people were specifically targeted and got fines over and over again, even if they are just passing by (but are known to the public as critics of the government).
They had provided support to individuals, formally and informally organized networks and organizations to use legal means to challenge measures, procedures and policies that are illegal, unconstitutional and undemocratic. The network was established by non-governmental organizations that combine legal and advocacy knowledge and are already recognized in Slovenia, either as organizations in the field of protection of vulnerable groups, promotion of more effective protection of human rights and democracy and involved many highly respectable lawyers to join the network and offer pro-bono support.
The legal network still exists and offers continues support to people. They were sucessful with appeal to constitutional court, finding several fines unlegal. They also contributed a lot to the adoption of the legislation that will enabled return of all fines that were not legally charged. They continue to fight for human rights, democracy and rule of law.