Ukrainian authorities' actions to limit freedom of the media

Reply to Written question | Doc. 13856 | 15 July 2015

Author(s):

Committee of Ministers

Origin

Adopted at the 1233rd meeting of the Ministers’ Deputies (8-9 July 2015). 2015 - Fourth part-session

Reply to Written question

: Written question no. 680 (Doc. 13722)

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.