Post by Greenpeace

“Bullies only understand one language, and that is fighting back, together.” Mads Christensen, International Executive Director, Greenpeace International. A “Facing Down Bullies: A Panel Discussion on Civic Space” recently brought together thought leaders and allies from across movements to confront a common threat: SLAPP suits and other tactics used by corporate bullies, oligarchs and authoritarians to intimidate, drain resources and silence dissent. As civic space shrinks and authoritarianism rises, journalists, activists, human rights defenders and environmental defenders are increasingly targeted for speaking out, exposing wrongdoing and standing up for communities. One message came though clearly: an attack on one of us is an attack on all of us. With powerful insights from our amazing panelists Bennett Freeman, Jasmijn de Zeeuw, Audrey Gaughran, Daniel Simons and Mads Christensen, the discussion reflected a shared understanding of the playbook used to shrink civic space, and a shared commitment to push back together. These bullies may have deep pockets lined with dirty money, but we have something much more powerful. PEOPLE POWER! And when people power aligns across movements, borders and struggles it becomes impossible to ignore. This powerful conversation took place just ahead of Greenpeace International’s anti-SLAPP hearing in Dutch court against Big Oil bully Energy Transfer, a landmark case in the fight to stop corporations from weaponising the courts. Let’s face down corporate bullies together 👉 https://timetoresist.org #TimeToResist #FacingDownBullies