Freedom of speech in Lithuania. Legal and factual analysis

This article focuses on the issue of freedom of speech in Lithuania. Author examines statutes regulating freedom of speech and the factual situation in Lithuania. Analysis is made in the light of the experience of such democratic countries as Great Britain and the United States.The most urgent problems are examined in detail. These are the freedom of press, protection of privacy, limitations of advertising, state secrets, ect. Analysis of the main Lithuanian laws related to the freedom of speech indicates that regulations and restrictions in Lithuania do not exceed those established in the Constitution of the United States and the European Convention on Human Rights. The Constitution of the Republic of Lithuania and the laws provide satisfactory protection of the freedom of speech. Unfortunately the lack of democratic traditions, judicial decisions as well as political indifference of the society and economical factors create difficulties in the area of practical implementation of this fundamental right in LithuaniaMykolo Romerio universiteta