Quote

"Political figures should not enjoy greater protection of their reputation and other rights than other individuals, and thus more severe sanctions should not be pronounced under domestic law against the media where the latter criticize political figures. This principle also applies to public officials; derogation should only be permissible where they are strictly necessary to enable public officials to exercise their functions in a proper manner."

Document

CoE (Committee of Ministers): Declaration on Freedom of Political Debate in the Media, art. VI

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Declaration on Freedom of Political Debate in the Media

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Summaries

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