Wearing Totalitarian Symbols: Freedom or Restriction of Expression / Case Study Based on Attila Vajnai’s Case
Wearing Totalitarian Symbols: Freedom or Restriction of Expression / Case Study Based on Attila Vajnai’s Case

Summary/Abstract: Freedom of expression is essential for citizens in order to exercise their right to vote and take part in decision-making processes. The right to have freedom of expression is so widely-accepted that it appears also in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948). UDHR, Article 19 says: ―Everyone has the right to the freedom of opinion, and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers. Nevertheless we should be aware of the fact that freedom of expression and free media can be used also propagating hate speeches and permitting of extremist ideas. Our mission is to find a balance between freedom of expression and protecting other human rights. Freedom of expression can be restricted only in certain circumstances: to protect the rights and reputations of others or to protect national security, public order, public health or morals. The toughest challenge is to find that fine line between what should be allowed what should be restricted. The debate about whether hate speech should be restricted or not is still not closed. This essay tries to present the issue via a Hungarian case from European Court of Human Rights (ECHR).

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