Criminal restrictions on freedom of expression

Svoboda izražanja je ena najpomembnejših človekovih pravic, saj je pogoj za učinkovito demokratično državo in za funkcioniranje drugih pravic in svoboščin. Kljub svoji pomembnosti pa svoboda izražanja ni absolutna pravica, saj se jo lahko omeji zaradi varstva pravic drugih oseb in iz razlogov nacionalne varnosti, varstva javnega reda in miru, zdravja ali morale. Pri tem gre najpogosteje za kolizijo med pravico do svobode izražanja in pravico do osebnega dostojanstva in varnosti ter pravico do zasebnosti in osebnostnih pravic. Kazenskopravne omejitve svobode izražanja so predvidene v Kazenskem zakoniku (v nadaljevanju KZ-1). Tako KZ-1 omejuje svobodo izražanja v osemnajstem poglavju pri kaznivih dejanjih zoper čast in dobro ime ter v kaznivem dejanju javnega spodbujanja sovraštva, nasilja ali nestrpnosti (297. člen KZ-1). Prav pri tem kaznivem dejanju, ki je v bistvu sovražni govor v ožjem smislu, prihaja do največ nesoglasij glede njegove interpretacije. Največ prahu je dvignilo pravno mnenje Vrhovnega državnega tožilstva Republike Slovenije, ki v svoji interpretaciji tega kaznivega dejanja dopušča minimalne omejitve svobode izražanja. Mnogi pravni strokovnjaki očitajo državnim tožilcem, da sovražne govora ne preganjajo dovolj, kar utegne povzročiti nestrpnosti v državi.Freedom of speech is one of the most important Human Rights, because it is one of the conditions for a democratic State and for the functioning of other Human Rights and Freedoms. Despite its importance, Freedom of Speech is not an absolute right since it can be limited do to the protection of the reputation or rights of others, in the interest of national security, public safety, for prevention of disorder or crime, or for protection of health or morals. This is most likely a conflict between the right to freedom of expression and the right to personal dignity and security, as well as the right to privacy. Criminal restrictions on Freedom of Expression are foreseen in Slovenian Criminal Code known as Kazenski zakonik (hereinafter KZ-1). The limitations of Freedom of Expression are mostly included in the Chapter eighteen which regulates the crimes against honour and goodwill and in the criminal act of Hate Speech (297. člen KZ-1). This Article is also the most controversial because it is unclear what the right interpretation is and which acts should be punished. The most controversial is the opinion of the Supreme State Prosecutor\u27s Office of Republic of Slovenia, which in his interpretation allows only minimal limitations on Freedom of Expression. Many experts disagree with that interpretation and complain that the State Prosecution does not prosecute hate speech enough, which may lead to a chaotic state in the Country