Activity Details (ID# 15437)

Activity Synopsis

The general objectives of the seminar were:

- to discuss the general principles of freedom of expression and information in a democratic society and the right to privacy under the European Convention on Human Rights;

- to have a comparative look at Articles 8 and 10 of the Convention in the case-law of the European Court of Human Rights;

- to discuss the protection of privacy and personal data and the right to use one’s image and voice;

- to discuss the right of the public to know and strategies for balancing freedom of expression and information in the media and the right to privacy;

- to see what is the experience of other European countries.
 

The participants in the seminar were judges, lawyers and journalists, which enabled different viewpoints to be expressed and resulted in very productive discussions.

Council of Europe expert Mr Frédéric Gras (Lawyer, Paris) provided an overview of the standards of the ECHR and a comparative look at Articles 8 and 10 of the Convention in the case-law of the European Court of Human Rights. The Convention was available to participants in local language so they were able to discuss basic standards set by these two articles and its implementation in the cases presented by speaker. Mr Ivor Gaber (Professor of Broadcast journalism, Goldshmiths College, University of London) drew the attention of media professionals to their responsibilities. As especially sensitive issues he extricated media coverage of trials, access to medical records and publication of other confidential information. He stated that the profession had to restore the public’s confidence in their media and to balance public interest in freedom of expression with the legitimate expectation of privacy of individuals and respect for their human dignity.

On the second day of the seminar speakers Mr Stevan Niksic (Director, Centre for Professional Media) and Mr Toni Vukicevic (Lawyer, Croatia) presented both Serbian and Croatian experience relevant for freedom of expression and right to privacy and started debate on the protection of privacy, personal data and the right to use one’s image and voice. Participants initiated interesting and complex discussions and exchanging points of view on the possibilities of balancing between presented rights.
 

The seminar was very useful. The fact that the participants came from various fields, which are interrelated with regard to the subject of the seminar, resulted in a very open and constructive debate which raised many practical questions and cases. Participants evaluated presented topics and discussions as very interesting and applicable in their work.

Similar seminars will be organised in autumn.
 

Judges, Lawyers, Journalists from Belgrade and regions 

Mr Frédéric GRAS, Lawyer, Paris (France)
Mr Toni VUKICEVIC, Lawyer, Croatia
Mr Ivor GABER, Research Professor in media & Politics at the University of Bedfordshire, United Kingdom
Mr Stevan Niksic, Centre for Professional Media, Belgrade 

Ms Lejla DERVISAGIC, Media Division, Directorate General of Human Rights
Ms Maja STOJANOVIC, Council of Europe Office in Belgrade