UK empowers courts to stop powerful oligarchs from silencing critics

The Rolls Building (R), which is used by Britain?s High Court, is seen in London, Britain, June 26, 2022. Picture taken June 26, 2022. REUTERS/Raphael Satter

LONDON (Reuters) - Britain on Wednesday set out measures to help its courts stop large businesses and wealthy individuals, including Russian oligarchs, from using the legal system to silence critics.

The measures, announced by Deputy Prime Minister Dominic Raab, target so-called Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPPs), which are often used to intimidate journalists and rights advocates with the threat of endless legal action and costs.