THE MEANING OF FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION

By Nurullah Yamali[26]

“Everyone____the right to 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.” (Article 19, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, 1948). At the end____the Second World War Europe was marked by unsurpassed destruction and human suffering. This harsh experience gave rise to new political efforts especially compromise among the peoples of Europe. These efforts worked out and The Council of Europe was founded on 5 May 1949 by the Treaty of London. In Article 1 of the Statute of the Council of Europe, its aim has been determined as “ to achieve a greater unity between its members for the purpose of safeguarding and realizing the ideals and principles which are their common heritage and facilitating their economic and social progress” and in Article 3 its stated that, in the realization of its aim “ Every member of the Council of Europe must accept the principles of the rule of law and of the enjoyment by all persons within its jurisdiction of human rights and fundamental freedoms, and collaborate sincerely and effectively”. As indicated, the primary components, to implement “a greater unity”, are to accept the principles of the rule of law, the enjoyment of human rights and fundamental freedoms by all persons and collaborate sincerely and effectively. In the 20th century, the Europe has faced some se rious problems within the context of realizing mentioned aim, such as the cold war period. But all these difficulties leaded to understand once again the importance of human rights and fundamental freedoms, in particular the necessity of freedom of expression for a democrat ic society and to live in peace and together. The cold war and its effects were not the only remarkable events took place in the second half of the 20 th century, besides that especially in the nineties the fall of the communist block and the great steps to all liber ties were the incredible ones. But in the beginning of the 21th century, the humanity has experienced the terrible side of terrorism again. Tolerance, giving respect to each other, to live in a brotherly manner have become the most desirable concepts. As_____result of globalisation world have shrink and now anyone can affect the others with his or her thoughts, speeches and behaviors. Terefore, the humanity need these concepts much more than it used to.