Abstract

The right to freedom of expression and information is guaranteed by Article 10 of the European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms (ECHR) in all member states of the Council of Europe. The case law of the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) applying Article 10 must be considered an international standard of authority on the protection of this human right, including the right to express, transmit and receive opinions and information without the interference of public authorities. Freedom of expression is one of the most cherished constitutional rights in democracies. Freedom of expression affects every aspect of our social and political system and receives explicit and implicit protection in every modern democratic constitution. Moreover, it is frequently mentioned in public discourse and has inspired an impressive volume of legal and philosophical literature. Since its inclusion in Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the right to freedom of opinion and expression has been protected in all relevant international human rights treaties. In international law, the freedom to express opinions and ideas is considered essential both at the individual level, insofar as it contributes to the full development of a person, and being a cornerstone of a democratic society.