Quote

"Defamation laws should reflect the principles that public figures are required to tolerate a greater degree of criticism than private citizens; (a) defamation law should not afford special protection to the president and other senior political figures; remedy and compensation under civil law should be provided."

Document

UNHRC: Report of the Special Rapporteur on the Protection and Promotion of the Right to Freedom of Opinion and Expression (1999), para. 28(b)

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Report of the Special Rapporteur on the Protection and Promotion of the Right to Freedom of Opinion and Expression (1999)

English

Summaries

When considering claims of defamation, political figures and public officials should be subject to greater public scrutiny and criticism than other citizens.