Calling on the Scottish Parliament to urge the Scottish Government to reform Scots criminal law by creating a statutory criminal offence for targeted online slander and character assassination. It is my understanding that the Police routinely label digital smear campaigns as "civil matters." However, civil court litigation in the Sheriff Court or Court of Session can present insurmountable financial barriers for ordinary citizens, and civil legal aid is unavailable. Scots law must criminalise this based on intent and harm.
Petitioner: Katrina Murray
Status: Under consideration
Date published: 16 September 2026
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