Systematic violations of journalists’ rights by the authorities of the Republic of Moldova
Reply to Written question
| Doc. 13857
| 15 July 2015
1. The Committee of Ministers reaffirms
its unwavering commitment to freedom of expression and information,
freedom of the media and the free exercise of journalism as fundamental
components of a democratic society.
2. It reiterates the obligation incumbent on all Council of Europe
member States to respect the right to freedom of expression in accordance
with Article 10 of the European Convention on Human Rights, the
first paragraph of which provides:
“1.
Everyone has the right to freedom of expression. This right shall
include freedom to hold opinions and to receive and impart information
and ideas without interference by public authority and regardless of
frontiers. This Article shall not prevent States from requiring
the licensing of broadcasting, television or cinema enterprises.”
3. Restrictions to the right to freedom of expression are only
admissible in accordance with the second paragraph of Article 10,
which is worded as follows:
“2.
The exercise of these freedoms, since it carries with it duties
and responsibilities, may be subject to such formalities, conditions,
restrictions or penalties as are prescribed by law and are necessary
in a democratic society, in the interests of national security,
territorial integrity or public safety, for the prevention of disorder
or crime, for the protection of health or morals, for the protection
of the reputation or rights of others, for preventing the disclosure
of information received in confidence, or for maintaining the authority
and impartiality of the judiciary.”
4. The Committee also recalls that the European Court of Human
Rights may receive applications from any person who believes he
or she is a victim of a violation of this right.
