Sweden

[SE] Two Reports Related to the Freedom of Expression

IRIS 1997-6:1/21

Helene Hillerström

TV4 AB

Two reports have been published in Sweden concerning the freedom of expression and the possible abuse of it. One of the reports proposes to apply the rules on freedom of expression also to the new media. It suggests that this freedom should cover all expressions, more generally referred to as "technical recordings". The other report deals with child pornography and it proposes that such pornography should be considered criminal offence. It is suggested that the Criminal Code should prohibit all production, transfer, licensing or showing of child pornography, as well as buying such material and that the mere possession of such material should be regarded as a criminal offence as well.

The definition of `children' in this report, is in line with the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, where a person under the age of 18 is considered as a child. In addition the report proposes that someone could also be considered as a child if the person has passed the age of puberty (irrespective of factual age).