РУАЭСТ (RUAEST)
FREEDOM OF SPEECH AS IT IS: TALKING ABOUT A FRENCH COMEDIAN, US OFFICIAL AND THE RUSSIAN TRUTH
The declaration of freedom of speech used to be a milestone event for the legal world. It has paramount importance for the development of both national legal systems and political order. For a long time Russia trailed behind world liberal trends and initiatives in this regard. In the 19th century tough Imperial state regime did not allow it to generate freedom of the press in its legal arenas. And even in the 20th century, pro-Marxist authoritarian attitudes suppressed the development of a liberal legal system. In many ways, only the events of the end of the last millennium, involving changes in social structure, made it possible for Russia to merge with world humanitarian standards. This article investigates modern aspects of constitutional legal regulation of press freedom in Russia. The author draws parallels with the legislature of other countries, emphasizing legal and social practices that have taken shape on the issue in question. The current review considers applying provisions, regarding freedom of speech and press, by courts both in Russia and foreign countries.