Article 13 - American Convention on Human Rights
Freedom of Thought and Expression1. Everyone has
the right to freedom of thought and expression. This right includes freedom to
seek, receive, and impart information and ideas of all kinds, regardless of
frontiers, either orally, in writing, in print, in the form of art, or through
any other medium of one's choice.
2. The exercise of the right
provided for in the foregoing paragraph shall not be subject to prior
censorship but shall be subject to subsequent imposition of liability, which
shall be expressly established by law to the extent necessary to ensure: a.
respect for the rights or reputations of others; or b. the protection of
national security, public order, or public health or morals.
3. The
right of expression may not be restricted by indirect methods or means, such
as the abuse of government or private controls over newsprint, radio
broadcasting frequencies, or equipment used in the dissemination of
information, or by any other means tending to impede the communication and
circulation of ideas and opinions.
4. Notwithstanding the
provisions of paragraph 2 above, public entertainments may be subject by law
to prior censorship for the sole purpose of regulating access to them for the
moral protection of childhood and adolescence.
5. Any propaganda
for war and any advocacy of national, racial, or religious hatred that
constitute incitements to lawless violence or to any other similar action
against any person or group of persons on any grounds including those of race,
color, religion, language, or national origin shall be considered as offenses
punishable by law.