Latvia

[LV] Freedom of Expression and Media in the Constitution

IRIS 2004-9:1/34

Jacqueline Krohn

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

The current Latvian Constitution, in the version of 23 September 2004, is based on the Latvian Constitution of 15 February 1922. This was adopted on 1 July 1993 and has been amended several times since. The entire Chapter VIII, which lays down fundamental human rights, was added in 1998.

Freedom of expression is enshrined in Article 100, which states that everyone has the right to freedom of expression, which includes the right to freely receive, keep and distribute information and to express their views. Censorship is prohibited.

However, freedom of expression is not an absolute right. Article 116 stipulates that the rights set out in Article 100 may be subject to restrictions in circumstances provided for by law in order to protect the rights of other people, the democratic structure of the State and public safety, morals and welfare.