ECHR system

The Commissioner contributes to the effectiveness of the European Convention on Human Rights system. On his own initiative, the Commissioner may act as amicus curiae before the European Court of Human Rights and may also submit information to the Committee of Ministers to assist in monitoring the execution of judgments.

Focus

Commissioner O’Flaherty intervenes in a case concerning freedom of expression and association in Hungary

The Commissioner puts before the Court information on the basis of which it may consider the following points: the introduction of Article 353/A of the Criminal Code constitutes a component of broad restrictions to freedom of expression and freedom of association of civil society in Hungary; the criminalisation of “facilitating or supporting illegal migration” introduced through Article 353/A was neither necessary nor foreseeable within the meaning of Article 10(2) and Article 11(2) of the European Convention on Human Rights; several aspects call into question the declared purpose behind the introduction of Article 353/A.  full article