Brussels, 23/06/2010 (Agence Europe) - MEPs from the ALDE, Marietje Schaake (Netherlands) and Alexander Lambsdorff (Germany) organised a public hearing on Monday 21 June on “(Self) Censorship, the new challenges of freedom of expression in Europe”. The organisers were keen to point out that when the freedom of expression is talked about, we are more likely to think about China or Russia, yet within the European Union itself, the freedom of expression is sometimes under threat. “No one should be afraid of the consequences when one expresses oneself freely”, explained Lambsdorff. There are numerous examples of media concentration, monopolies, pressure, censorship or self-censorship of journalists and artists, despite Article 11 in the Charter of Fundamental Rights in the European Union and Article 10 in the European Convention on Human Rights. The situation is getting worse. Ioan Enciu MEP (S&D, Romania) explained that “due to different economic policies, the mass media is increasingly vulnerable to pressure from the leaders. Suddenly, they practise a policy of self-censorship, in an effort to avoid having problems. The freedom of expression must not be subject to any political, economic or religious influence”.
Although the freedom of expression must be protected, everyone has their own different concept of what it means and which is sometimes contrary to that of the law in other European countries. The writer, Naema Tahir, who has sometimes practised self-censorship in his work in an effort to avoid offending the Muslim community, pointed out that “caution should be exercised when we use the freedom of expression. I believe in this freedom but if we want communities to be more open, then we have to avoid provocation”.
Professor Alistair Mullis, a legal expert on libel in the United Kingdom explained that the freedom of expression is not the only right at stake. He explained that he was convinced that this was indispensable and that everyone had the right to a private life. He did say, however, that they had to pay attention to reconciling both points, namely a balance between reputation and the freedom of expression.
Julian Assange from WikiLeaks, a multi-jurisdictional public service, which protects journalists, activists and whistleblowers, denounced British law that was biased towards the media because it should not be the plaintiff to prove that an error has been committed but rather the accused, who should prove their innocence. He pointed out that journalists and artists sometimes practise self-censorship because libel cases are expensive. He stressed that they should be vigilant because if the freedom of expression were stolen, it would also be possible to steal other rights.
Birgitta Jonsdottir, from the Icelandic parliament, which has just voted on a law that provides a lot of protection for freedom of expression, urged the different European countries to strengthen legislation on the freedom of expression and “take inspiration from our initiative, make it a cornerstone in your work”. (C-C.G./transl.fl)