Azernews.Az

Freedom of speech could be restricted if necessary to protect state interests, president of the European Court of Human Rights says.
Such steps are acceptable should a given media outlet make calls to violence, take unconstitutional actions and meddle in politics, Jean Paul Costa said on a visit to Baku Friday.
He emphasized that democratic standards were outlined in the European Convention on Human Rights covering 47 countries. "The convention rests chiefly on two pillars. It says a legal state cannot exist without democracy, and the other way round."
Costa said a parliament formed through democratic elections plays a tremendous role in society, and elections are of great importance for democratic development in the country.
Costa said that although the European convention secures the right of political parties to assemble freely, it is often violated in some countries.
He added that independent activity of courts was pivotal for the protection of human rights.