LINGENS v. AUSTRIA JUGDMENT
CONCURRING OPINION OF JUDGE THÓR VILHJÁLMSSON
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CONCURRING OPINION OF JUDGE THÓR
VILHJÁLMSSON
In this case, I have with certain hesitation joined my colleagues in
finding a violation of Article 10 (art. 10) of the Convention. I have the
following comment to make on the reasons set out in the judgment.
In the first sub-paragraph of paragraph 29, it is stated that the Vienna
Court of Appeal found that Mr. Lingens had criticised Mr. Kreisky in his
capacity both as a party leader and as a private individual (my underlining).
Keeping this in mind, I find it difficult to agree with the last part of
paragraph 38 of the judgment. I agree, though, with the other judges that it
is Article 10 (art. 10) of the Convention that has to be interpreted and
applied in the present case. This is to be done by taking the right to respect
for private life, stated in Article 8 (art. 8), as one of the factors relevant to
the question whether or not in this case the freedom of expression was
subjected to restrictions and penalties that were necessary in a democratic
society for the protection of the reputation of others. The text of paragraphs
that follow paragraph 38 shows that this is in fact taken into account when
the Court weighs the relevant considerations. As already stated, I agree with
the conclusion stated in paragraph 47 and the operative provisions of the
judgment.