“To intimidate or prevent freedom of speech is to subvert the basic principles of democracy in which we live, and we believe that Portugal should adopt laws that will finally put an end to censure and intimidation,” stated Sérgio Marques today, speaking about the European Commission directive that aims to protect citizens and entities “from unfounded and abusive lawsuits.”
He went on to discuss that there is an increasing number of lawsuits against citizens who are manifestly unfounded and abusive, with the aim of intimidating and preventing freedom of speech by different entities – be they trade union entities, media, or non-governmental organisations – on matters that are in the public interest.”
Furthermore, explained Sérgio Marques, to address this problem, the European Commission has proposed to the European Parliament and the Council of the Union a legislative proposal aimed at “protecting these citizens and limiting possible abuses of power.”
This is all well and good, but what is the position of the mainland government Sérgio Marques asks, and to what extent will they commit themselves to its approval?
Samantha Gannon
info at madeira-weekly.com
