We explain what freedom of expression and freedom of the press are. Characteristics, importance and examples of freedom of expression.
What is Freedom of Expression?
Freedom of expression is the right of every human being to express their opinions and communicate them, without fear of reprisals, censorship or sanctions. Free expression is an indispensable principle of democratic societies. The lack of this right is typical of totalitarian policies or military dictatorships in which the dissemination of different points of view in any form is prohibited.
Freedom of expression forms part of article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (published in 1948). This right entails duties and responsibilities, and is subject to certain restrictions in order to respect the rights or reputation of others, as well as public order, health and morals.
See also: Fascism
Origin of the term “freedom of expression”
Although the term is included in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, It was born in the mid-18th century with the philosophers of the Enlightenmentlike Montesquieu, Voltaire or Rousseau, who maintained that the possibility of dissenting with others encouraged the progress of the arts, sciences, and technology and promoted authentic political participation.
The ideas of these thinkers They influenced and instigated the people towards the French Revolution of 1789, which resulted in the fall of the French absolutist empire and established a democratic government that began a new stage called the “contemporary era.” This revolution spread the ideals of freedom, fraternity and popular sovereignty worldwide.
Limits of freedom of expression
freedom of expression presents certain limits from a legal and social point of viewin circumstances where this right conflicts with other rights and freedoms, such as in cases of defamation, slander, pornography, obscenity, damage to intellectual property, among others.
That is, freedom of expression is a right as such, as long as it does not result in a “principle of harm” or “principle of crime” for others, because it would be becoming a punishable act. For these cases, there are legal sanctions and social disapproval, as measures to counteract the damage caused.
Right to reply
When freedom of expression, especially freedom of the press, exceeds limits and harms the rights of others, the “right of reply” can arise. If an individual is offended in a certain media, he may use the right to reply. to respond and defend themselves in the same medium (newspapers, television, radio, etc.). However, the right to reply is not the only way to respond, since the injured party may also initiate legal charges for “slander or libel.”
Press freedom
The right to freedom of expression and thought includes the freedom to seek, receive and disseminate information, by any means, without being subject to prior censorship. However, not everything that is exposed and disseminated is reliable just because it was broadcast. The recipient of the message must remain critical and understand the transparency and reliability of the source of information.
The mainstream media They are usually groups with their own interests and ideologies, with which they color the massive messages they spread. The information can be true, but it can also be narrated in a way that generates a certain influence on public opinion. Just as important as freedom of expression is the responsibility with which each individual interprets information and reproduces it.
Given this panorama, UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) proclaimed “World Press Freedom Day” on May 3to raise awareness and the responsibility that this work entails. In addition, in 1997 the World Press Freedom Prize was established to honour individuals, organisations and institutions that have made an outstanding contribution to the defence and promotion of press freedom anywhere in the world.
Examples of freedom of expression
Some examples of freedom of expression may be:
- Groups for a cause. Freedom of association is an individual right to join groups that represent their interests and ideals. For example, union groups that are part of the labor movement of workers and that meet to defend their common interests before employers and governments.
- The feminist movement “not one less”. It is a collective group protesting against violence against women and its most serious consequence, femicide. The first march called “not one less” occurred in Argentina in June 2015 and quickly spread throughout Latin America, Europe and Asia.
- Freedom of religion. It is the right of every individual to choose their religious or spiritual doctrine and practice it privately or publicly, without being discriminated against or judged. They have the right to have their rituals and holidays respected, even in work environments where the same beliefs are not shared.
Examples of lack of freedom of expression
Some examples of lack of freedom of expression may be:
- Book burning in GermanyIn 1933, the Nazi Party burned some 25,000 books in order to condemn the authors and their works, considering them “anti-German.”
- The ban on books about magic and fantasy. Between 2000 and 2009, the Harry Potter saga was banned in the Arab Emirates for focusing on magic, which is contrary to their religious beliefs.
- Blocking Youtube and DaylyMotion. In 2007, the president of Tunisia blocked access to both channels for containing material about political prisoners. In response, activists organized a “digital sit-in” linking videos about rights and freedoms, to the image of the presidential palace on Google Earth.