The Approach of the European Court of Human Rights in Reconciling the Freedom of Media in Expression and States Exercise of their Right to Protect National Security from the Dangers of Terrorism

Terrorism and the fight against terrorism have become major elements of domestic and international politics, with media firmly on the front lines. On the one hand, media must provide verifiable information for the public interest, but also, Citizens expect media to give them the exact information without resorting to sensationalism. On the other hand, National security, the demands of living together all legitimately lead to call for restraint. Some states have used “terrorism” argument to silence the media and bring disruptive journalists under control. They have also used the term to incriminate and criminalise legitimate opinions. The European Court of Human Rights has had the opportunity to judge on a range of issues, most of which concerned with criminal prosecution of journalists because of their coverage of terrorist acts that may be understood as a promotion or assisting to terrorist movements. While the Court has affirmed the fixed value of freedom of expression, it has judged that specific restrictions may be imposed in case of a real and imminent danger that threatens national security.