IPPT20120207, ECHR, Von Hannover v Germany

26-02-2012 Print this page
IPPT20120207

RIGHT to PRIVATE LIFE – FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION

 

Characterisation of Prince Rainier’s illness as an event of contemporary society not unreasonable
• Regarding the characterisation of Prince Raini-er’s illness as an event of contemporary society, the Court is of the opinion that, having regard to the reasons advanced by the German courts, that inter-pretation cannot be considered unreasonable (see, mutatis mutandis, Editions Plon, cited above, §§ 46-57). It is worth mentioning in this connection that the Federal Court of Justice upheld the injunction forbidding publication of two other photos showing the applicants in similar circumstances, precisely on the grounds that they were being published for en-tertainment purposes alone (see paragraphs 36 and 37 above). The Court can therefore accept that the photos in question, considered in the light of the ac-companying articles, did contribute, at least to some degree, to a debate of general interest. It would reit-erate, on this point, that not only does the press have the task of imparting information and ideas on all matters of public interest, the public also has a right to receive them (see paragraph 102 above).

 

IPPT20120207, ECHR, Von Hannover v Germany