Lithuania

[LT] Freedom of Expression and Media in the Constitution

IRIS 2004-7:1/31

Esther M. Harlow

Institute of European Media Law (EMR), Saarbrücken/Brussels

Article 25 of the Lithuanian Constitution of 25 October 1992 (last amended on 13 July 2004) deals with freedom of expression and information.

According to para. 1 of this provision, every individual has the right to have his own convictions and freely express them. Subject to para. 2, nobody should be hindered from seeking, obtaining and disseminating information. Para. 3 states that the freedom to express convictions, as well as to obtain and disseminate information, may not be restricted in any other way than established by law. Such a law must be necessary for the safeguard of the health, honour, private life or morals of an individual, or for the protection of the constitutional order. Article 25 para. 4 declares that the freedom to express convictions and to impart information is incompatible with criminal actions, incitement of national, racial, religious or social hatred, violence or discrimination, the dissemination of slander or misinformation.

Article 44 of the Constitution prohibits the censorship of mass media. However, the Lithuanian Constitution does not contain any further broadcasting rules.