Gag Suits: How the Powerful Silence Those Who Speak Out

The mechanism is simple, well-established, and perfectly legal. A multinational corporation, an influential figure, or a government official sues a journalist, a researcher, a whistleblower, or an organization. The goal isn’t to win. It’s to financially ruin the opponent, wear them down, and silence them. This is known as a gag lawsuit. And in France, they’re on the rise.

From the political class to the business world, public figures, companies, and sometimes government officials are abusing the courts to silence the voices of those who legitimately participate in public debate: journalists, organizations, unions, whistleblowers, and researchers. These gagging lawsuits erode the foundations of our democracy. Sherpa

There is no shortage of examples. Journalist Inès Léraud, who investigates the agribusiness sector in Brittany, has had to face her third defamation lawsuit. The NGO Greenpeace France, which had published a report challenging TotalEnergies’ calculations of its CO2 emissions, faced a lawsuit filed by the multinational—a case that ultimately failed in March 2024. Law professor Laurent Neyret, who had published his analysis of an environmental law ruling, was sued for defamation by the company Chimirec—the very company that was found liable in the ruling he was commenting on. Sherpa

There is no shortage of examples. Journalist Inès Léraud, who investigates the agribusiness industry in Brittany, has faced her third defamation lawsuit. The NGO Greenpeace France, which had published a report challenging TotalEnergies’ calculations of its CO2 emissions, faced a lawsuit filed by the multinational—a case that ultimately failed in March 2024. Law professor Laurent Neyret, who had published his analysis of an environmental law ruling, was sued for defamation by the company Chimirec—the very company that was found liable in the ruling he was commenting on. Sherpa

Vivendi was found liable in March 2019 for abusive litigation against journalist Nicolas Vescovacci. The NGO Attac was sued by Apple after denouncing the multinational’s tax evasion. BNP Paribas also filed a lawsuit against Attac. Wikipedia

On April 30, 2026, a decree transposed the European directive against SLAPP suits—but in a minimalist manner, covering only civil actions and omitting criminal defamation charges, even though these are among the most commonly used tools to silence journalists, whistleblowers, and activists. Wikipedia

France provides protection on paper. In the courtroom, however, it turns a blind eye. And while the powerful launch their attacks, the guardians of democracy drain their savings to pay their lawyers.