The second phase of two- day trainings for Senior journalists by the International Press Institute of Nigeria IPI ended on Thursday 14 October 2023 at Amber Residence GRA Ikeja. Topic is on : ” How To Avoid SLAPP Suits and Remain Ethical”
SLAPP according to Wikipedia is Strategic lawsuits against public participation, or strategic litigation against public participation, which are lawsuits intended to censor, intimidate, and silence critics by burdening them with the cost of a legal defense until they abandon their criticism or opposition.
When this is pursued by agents of government or individuals it leads to either institutional or self Censorship .
Seasoned Lawyer journalists and veteran in the profession delivered profound, educative and informed papers at the workshop.
The resource persons led by the host President Mr Muskiliu Mojeed the IPI Nigeria President included Mr Femi Adesina former Special Adviser Media & Publicity to the former President Muhammadu Buhari, Raheem Adedoyin member of the Executive Board of global IPI , Mrs Funke Egbemode, Professor Abigail Ogsezzy- Ndisika, Mr Richard Akinnola, Mr Edeatan Ojo, Mr Gbemiga Ogunleye, Mr Yusuf Ali Tobi Soniyi and Sir Folu Olamiti as member of the IPI Nigeria Board of Trustee.
They spoke on topics of legal implications of some practices of journalists in the field on how they could avoid harassment of litigation and still keep to the ethics of the profession . Some topics of the lectures illuminating and refreshing are listed as thus: ” Legal loopholes Editors Must Avoid, Understanding Media Codes and Ethics, Case Studies on Legal Challenges Newsroom Face, Dealing With Lawsuits: Available Helps , ” Battling Fake News Fact Checking and Verification” and ” How The Media Can Avoid Government Censorship.
At the end of the workshop participants went home with refreshed knowledge and understanding that would keep assisting them to the best practice of the profession. The workshop was facilitated by MacArthur Foundation.
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