The Supreme Court of Lithuania (LAT) has ruled against reviewing a lawsuit brought by the company SKR Baltic against the news portal Delfi. SKR Baltic had requested a retraction of information published in an article and sought damages. Delfi argued that the lawsuit constituted a SLAPP, which is designed to intimidate or silence critics, especially concerning matters of public interest.

Both the first-instance and appellate courts found sufficient grounds to classify the lawsuit as a SLAPP and chose not to consider it further. This decision aligns with a broader judicial recognition of SLAPP cases, which are often employed by powerful entities like government bodies or corporations to deter public participation and criticism through legal pressure. The courts acknowledged that the case appeared to be intended to harm Delfi's operations and exert undue pressure related to their reporting.

This ruling is significant as it strengthens protections for media outlets and individuals engaging in public discourse in Lithuania, ensuring that free speech and investigative journalism are not stifled by frivolous lawsuits. The court’s decision marks a pivotal moment in combating the misuse of legal systems against press freedom, particularly when it concerns the public’s right to access information and hold corporations accountable.