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CASTELLS v. SPAIN JUDGMENT
CONCURRING OPINION OF JUDGE CARRILLO SALCEDO
CONCURRING OPINION OF JUDGE CARRILLO SALCEDO
I fully share the views expressed by the Court at paragraph 46 of the
judgment. I should like to stress that freedom of expression constitutes one
of the essential foundations of a democratic society. But I must also
emphasise that the exercise of that freedom "carries with it duties and
responsibilities" (Article 10 para. 2 of the Convention) (art. 10-2), and that,
in a situation where politically motivated violence poses a constant threat to
the lives and security of the population, it is particularly difficult to strike a
fair balance between the requirements of protecting freedom of expression
and the imperatives of protecting the democratic State.
By providing, in Article 10 para. 2 (art. 10-2), that the exercise of the
freedom of expression and the freedom to hold opinions and to receive and
impart information and ideas "may be subject to such formalities,
conditions, restrictions or penalties as are prescribed by law and are
necessary in a democratic society", the Convention recognises that these
freedoms are not absolute. Moreover, the Convention also recognises the
principle that no group or person has the right to pursue activities which aim
at the destruction of any of the rights and freedoms enshrined in it (Article
17) (art. 17); that implies in addition, in my view, positive obligations for
the States parties.
Therefore, it remains open to the States to adopt measures, even of a
criminal law nature, intended to react appropriately and without excess, that
is, in conformity with the Convention requirements, to defamatory
accusations devoid of factual foundation or formulated in bad faith.