The Execution Department issued today a new thematic factsheet focusing on the execution of ECHR judgments concerning freedom of expression. As underlined by the European Court, freedom of expression is one of the primary conditions for the progress of a democratic society and for the development of each individual. It implies pluralism, tolerance and openness, without which there is no democratic society, leaving little room for restrictions on this freedom notably in two areas: political speech and matters of public interest.
This factsheet sets out a number of examples of general and, where appropriate, individual measures adopted and reported by States, in the context of the execution of judgments of the European Court, to safeguard and protect freedom of expression, including safety of journalists, freedom of the press and protection of journalistic sources, media pluralism and broadcasting licences, freedom of commercial and artistic expression, dissemination of information for electoral purposes, protection of the reputation and rights of others and proportionality in the application of the law and sanctions, freedom of expression in the context of national security, public safety and anti-terrorism, and the reception of information from prisoners in penal institutions.
