The presentation discusses the fundamental importance of freedom of speech and expression in democratic societies. It emphasizes that this right allows individuals to express their views, opinions, beliefs, and convictions freely through various means such as speech, writing, and printing. The presentation highlights how freedom of expression is enshrined in the Indian Constitution and plays a crucial role in fostering informed citizens, holding those in power accountable, nurturing creativity across various fields, and ensuring fair elections. Additionally, it underscores the role of the media in providing accurate information, promoting transparency, and safeguarding democracy.
2. Jens
Martensson
What is
Freedom of
Expression?
The Right to Freedom of Speech and
Expression implies that every citizen
has the rights to express his views,
opinions, belief, and convictions
freely by mouth, writing, printing or
through any other methods. It is
enshrined in Article 19 of the Indian
Constitution
3. Jens
Martensson
The Origins
“If freedom of speech is taken away, then
dumb and silent we may be led, like sheep to
the slaughter.”
► The concept of freedom of speech originated long
back. England’s Bill of Rights 1689 adopted
freedom of speech as a constitutional right and
still in effect.
► The French Revolution in 1789 adopted the
Declaration of Rights of Man and of Citizen. This
further affirmed the Freedom of Speech as an
undeniable right.
► In International human rights the freedom of
speech and expression is recognized in
International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights
(ICCPR). Article 19 of the ICCPR states that,
“Everyone shall have the right to hold opinions
without interference and everyone shall have the
right to freedom of speech and expression ; the
right shall include freedom to seek, receive, and
impart information and ideas of all kinds,
regardless of frontiers either orally or the form of
writing or print, in the form of art, or through any
other media of their choices”
4. Jens
Martensson
Democracies stand on the
pedestal of free speech
Basis for Other Rights
Freedom of expression is a foundation for
many other rights
► Freedom of expression is a basic human right and forms
Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
Freedom of expression covers freedom of speech,
freedom of the press, and gives individuals and
communities the right to articulate their opinions
without fear of retaliation, censorship or punishment.
► An effective media also depends on the legal basis that
freedom of expression gives the right to function and
report freely, sometimes critically, without threat or
fear of punishment.
► Freedom of expression is not an absolute right: it does
not protect hate speech or incitement to violence.
That said, many other rights which are intrinsic to our
daily lives build on and intersect with this protection for
free thought and individual expression. Freedom of
expression covers everything from satire to political
campaigns to conversations in your own home. It’s a
fundamental human right which allows for citizens to
speak freely and without interference.
5. Jens
Martensson
A Well Read Democracy is a Well Bred Democracy
Through the media
and through public
debate – on and
offline – freedom of
expression supports
the development of
informed citizens
and voters
6. Jens
Martensson
Fair Elections
“Proclaim the truth and do not be silent through
fear”
► To vote for the candidate who best represents
your own views, you need to have accurate
information. Elections give huge amounts of
power to individuals, parties and institutions, so
it’s crucial that the media are able to report
accurately and critique the work of people who
hold office – even when it is unflattering.
► In the run-up to elections the importance of the
media is amplified. However, often in the run-up
to elections, powerful individuals and
institutions aim to affect votes by influencing or
restricting the information people receive from
the media.
► Freedom of expression is crucial to the process of
participating in a democracy. It influences
everything from newspapers to social media
posts and campaign adverts. By allowing voters
to make their voices heard and make educated
choices about the topics which matter to them,
freedom of expression strengthens democracies.
7. Jens
Martensson
Free Speech gives people the
confidence to defy injustice
Obstructs Injustice
A free nation can hold powerful interests to
account and put the nation first
► Sunlight is the best disinfectant. Independent
reporting shines a light on sometimes-hidden
topics and provides crucial checks and balances
on powerful people and institutions. While an
accurate press is not always flattering, it is crucial
to hold the powerful and wealthy accountable.
► Public attention creates scrutiny and is a
disincentive for corruption or human rights
abuses. The truths that quality investigative
journalism uncovers can topple governments,
alter international policies, and improve human
rights standards internationally.
► A strong, independent media ensures transparency
and helps reduce maladministration. Freedom of
expression protects the rights of reporters,
bloggers and news outlets – and the general public
– to speak critically.
8. Jens
Martensson
Gives Voice to the Subaltern
The right to freedom
of expression also
guarantees people
the right to speak
their opinions even
when they are
unpopular or go
against the status
quo
