Opinion: Japan needs anti-SLAPP laws as journalist sued by Unification Church affiliates
Journalist Eito Suzuki, who has long covered issues related to the Unification Church, now known formally as the Family Federation for World Peace and Unification, has expressed joy over his recent court victory, saying, "I was given the appropriate judgment."
In October 2023, the Japan branch of the Universal Peace Federation (UPF), a friendly organization of the Unification Church, filed a defamation lawsuit against Suzuki, claiming damages for statements made on social media. The Tokyo District Court dismissed UPF's claim seeking 11 million yen (about $76,100) on May 14.
The posts in question alleged that money was paid to former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe for sending a video message to an event hosted by the UPF and others but did not specifically name the "UPF Japan branch" as the subject. Suzuki argued that the lawsuit was a "classic SLAPP aimed at suppressing free speech."
A SLAPP, which stands for "strategic lawsuit against public participation," is a suit filed with the intent to harass and silence citizens who speak out. The term SLAPP is a play on the word "slap."
In February 2022, the United Nations' Working Group on Business and Human Rights identified SLAPP cases as a global issue, warning that they drain citizens' time and energy and violate various human rights, including freedom of expression, assembly and association.
According to the group's research, at least 355 SLAPP cases were filed worldwide between January 2015 and May 2021. Latin America accounted for the highest percentage at 39%, followed by Asia-Pacific at 25%. North America, where countermeasures are more advanced, accounted for 9%. In the United States, 32 states have enacted anti-SLAPP laws, and some provinces in Canada have also implemented them.
The U.N. working group calls on governments to enact anti-SLAPP laws to prevent harm. It also urges the legal community to thoroughly implement countermeasures and advises companies to refrain from seeking exorbitant damages. However, Japan has taken few measures against SLAPP cases.
According to Suzuki, three SLAPPs have been filed against him by Unification Church affiliates. The latest case was one of them, and the UPF plans to appeal. A prolonged legal battle seems inevitable.
When asked for his thoughts on the district court victory, Suzuki smirked and said, "It served them right." He emphasized that SLAPPs are "used as tools by those with malicious intent." He also noted, "I'm fortunate to have supporters, but some may give up the fight," while advocating for institutional support and the enactment of anti-SLAPP laws.
As for his resolve for the ongoing legal battle, he commented, "I will go all the way. Be prepared."
(Japanese original by Tomoko Ohji, Expert Writer)
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