15/04/2024 | 16:05:49 Mr Chairman, Ladies and Gentlemen, I would like to thank our colleagues Elvira KOVÁCS and Isabel MEIRELLES for their draft resolutions on the rights of the parliamentary opposition and the Code of Good Practice on Referendums updated by the Venice Commission. Each member state of the Council of Europe has its own political traditions, particularly when it comes to the use of referendums, which I'd like to mention in particular. These cannot be ignored, of course, lest we commit... 20/06/2022 | 16:00:57 Thank you, Madam President. Dear colleagues, Freedom of expression is an essential component of a democratic society. It is recognised by our Convention. However, this freedom can unfortunately be misused to promote prejudice and intolerance. It is therefore necessary to set limits on the freedom of expression of some to protect others from hatred. In some countries, freedom of expression is regulated by law. This is the case in France, for example, where racist comments are punishable under... 20/06/2022 | 12:31:55 Miste President, Dear Colleagues, On 3 April last, presidential elections were held in Serbia. I had the honor to be part of the ad hoc committee of our Assembly, which went there. I congratulate our colleague Mr Aleksander POCIEJ for his report, which gives a perfect account of the conduct of these elections. The previous parliamentary elections, in June 2020, were boycotted by the majority of the opposition. This time the elections in April allowed all parties to participate. Voters were... 15/03/2022 | 18:46:59 Mr President, Dear colleagues, I would like to begin this speech by paying tribute to the Ukrainian people who are facing the fire of Russian bombs and who are fighting today with courage. The Committee of Ministers has decided to consult our Assembly on possible new measures to sanction Russian aggression. I believe that it is our duty to show our solidarity with Ukraine, given the multiple violations of human rights that we are witnessing today. One can legitimately ask the question whether...