Limits to freedom of expression : lessons from counter-terrorism

Abstract

This chapter addresses the relationship between freedom of expression and countering terrorism mainly from the perspective of international (United Nations) human rights law, based on the experience of the author first (1997–2004) as a member of the above-mentioned independent expert body, the Human Rights Committee, and subsequently (2005– 11) as the Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism, reporting as an individual academic expert to the intergovernmental Human Rights Council. For comparative purposes, however, reference is also made to certain European instruments and their application, as well as to the role of the United Nations Security Council in combating terrorism.