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Article 24 of the 1973 Bahrain Constitution states that “Freedom of the press, printing and publication shall be guaranteed in accordance with the conditions and procedure specified by the law.”
References:
“Bahrain Old Constitution (1973).” International Constitutional Law Project: https://www.servat.unibe.ch/icl/ba01000_.html +
Article 39 of the 1972 Bangladesh Constitution states that “(1) Freedom or thought and conscience is guaranteed. (2) Subject to any reasonable restrictions imposed by law in the interests of the security of the State, friendly relations with foreign states, public order, decency or morality, or in relation to contempt of court, defamation or incitement to an offence-(a) the right of every citizen of freedom of speech and expression; and freedom of the press, are guaranteed."
References:
http://hrlibrary.umn.edu/research/bangladesh-constitution.pdf +
Barbados’s [[Probable year:: 1966]] Constitution does not explicitly protect freedom of the press, but includes freedom to “receive” and “communicate ideas and information without interference” in its protection of freedom of expression (Political Database of the Americas, “Constitution of [[Probable year:: 1966]]” ).
References:
https://pdba.georgetown.edu/Constitutions/Barbados/barbados66.html +
Article 33 of Belarus’s [[Probable year:: 1994]] Constitution bans censorship and mass media monopolies, whether state mass media monopolies or otherwise
References:
1994 Constitution of the Republic of Belarus: https://heinonline-org.proxygw.wrlc.org/HOL/Page?collection=cow&handle=hein.cow/zzby0006&id=4&men_tab=srchresults
1994 Constitution of the Republic of Belarus as amended in 1996: https://www.venice.coe.int/webforms/documents/?pdf=CDL(2003)065-e +
Article 23 of the 27 October 1830 Draft Constitution of Belgium states that “The press is free. Censorship [la censure] should never be established, and cautioning of writers, editors or printers may not be demanded.” Article 18 of the 1831 Belgium Constitution guaranteed freedom of the press using similar language.
References:
English translation of the French text of the draft of the constitution of 27 October 1830 35 (2009): https://heinonline-org.proxygw.wrlc.org/HOL/Page?collection=cow&handle=hein.cow/zzbe0096&id=5&men_tab=srchresults
1831 Constitution of Belgium: https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Belgium_1831 +
While press freedom was not explicitly protected in the 1981 Constitution of Belize, it is reasonable to infer that the broadly drawn protections of freedom of expression encompass freedom of the press as well. The guarantee refers to the protection of communication generally, "whether the communication be to the public generally or to any person or class of persons." The exceptions that it offers are also suggestive of application to the press, in its reference to the potential for the coexistence of freedom of expression with law "that is reasonably required for the purpose of protecting the reputations, rights and freedoms of other persons or the private lives of persons concerned in legal proceedings, preventing the disclosure of information received in confidence, maintaining the authority and independence of the courts, regulating educational institutions in the interests of persons receiving instruction therein, or regulating the technical administration or the technical operation of telephony, telegraphy, posts, wireless broadcasting, television or other means of communication...."
References:
1981 Constitution of Belize: https://pdba.georgetown.edu/Constitutions/Belize/belize81.html +
Article 7 of the 1964 Constitution of the Republic of Dahomey guaranteed freedom of the press.
Benin protects freedom of the press under Article 24 of its [[Probable year:: 1990]] Constitution: “Freedom of the press shall be recognised and guaranteed by the state. It shall be protected by the High Authority of Audio-Visuals and Communications under the conditions fixed by an organic law.”
References:
1964 Constitution of the Republic of Dahomey: English translation of the French original text fo the Constitution of 1964 152 (2011) Title II: The Rights and Duties of the Citizen: https://heinonline-org.proxygw.wrlc.org/HOL/Page?collection=cow&handle=hein.cow/zzbj0002&id=2&men_tab=srchresults
1990 Constitution of the Republic of Benin:
https://constitutionnet.org/sites/default/files/Benin%20Constitution%20-%20English%20Summary.pdf +
Article 7, Section 5 of Bhutan’s [[Probable year:: 2008]] Constitution protects freedom of the press: “There shall be freedom of the press, radio and television and other forms of dissemination of information, including electronic” (Constitute Project, “Bhutan's Constitution of [[Probable year:: 2008]]” ).
References:
Bhutan 2008 Constitution: https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Bhutan_2008 +
Article 145 of the 1826 Draft Constitution for the Republic of Bolivia states: "Every Person may communicate his thoughts, verbally or in writing, or publish them through the medium of the Press, 'without previous censorship; but under the responsibility which the Law may determine." Furthermore, Article 59 of the 1826 Draft Constitution described as among the duties of the Chamber of Censors, "To protect the Liberty of the Press, and to appoint the Judges who are to decide in the last instance, upon the Judgments respecting it."
Protection of press freedom is detailed in Article 106, Section III of the [[Probable year:: 2009]] Bolivian Constitution: “The State guarantees freedom of expression and the right to communication and information to workers of the press” (Constitute Project, “Bolivia (Plurinational State of)'s Constitution of [[Probable year:: 2009]]” ).
References:
1826 Draft Constitution for the Republic of Bolivia: English text of the draft Constitution of 1826. 892 (2010) Title XI: Of Guarantees https://heinonline-org.proxygw.wrlc.org/HOL/Page?collection=cow&handle=hein.cow/zzbo0002&id=18&men_tab=srchresults
“Bolivia (Plurinational Republic of) 2009.” Constitute. https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Bolivia_2009 +
In the aftermath of the annexation of Bosnia and Herzegovina by the Austro-Hungarian Empire, the Imperial Government wrote a constitution for Bosnia and Herzegovina. The relationship between the two political entities was described in Section 1 of the 1910 Constitution of Bosnia and Herzegovina: "Bosnia and the Herzegovina constitute a separate and homogeneous administrative territory, which, in conformity with the Law of the 22nd February, 1880 ... is subject to the responsible administration and control of the Imperial and Royal Joint Ministry." According to Section 12 of the 1910 Constitution of Bosnia and Herzegovina, "The right to express his opinion freely, verbally, in writing, print, or illustration is granted to every individual, without prejudice to the legal regulations dealing with the abuse of this right. The censorship of the press is, and remains, abolished."
Bosnia and Herzegovina’s 2009 Constitution protects freedom of expression in general, but does not mention freedom of the press specifically. However, Article 4 of the [[Probable year:: 2002]] Law on Communications recognizes freedom of expression across broadcasting and telecommunications (Office of the High Representative, “Law on Communications of Bosnia and Herzegovina”).
References:
1910 Constitution of Bosnia and Herzegovina: British and Foreign State Papers (1912) https://heinonline-org.proxygw.wrlc.org/HOL/Page?collection=cow&handle=hein.cow/bfsprs0105&id=549&men_tab=srchresults#
“Bosnia and Herzegovina 1995 (Rev. 2009) Constitution.” Constitute. Accessed September 14, 2022. https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Bosnia_Herzegovina_2009?lang=en.
Office of the High Representative, “Law on Communications of Bosnia and Herzegovina”:
https://www.ohr.int/ohr-dept/legal/laws-of-bih/pdf/011%20-%20PUBLIC%20INFORMATION/RTV-Communications/BH/HR%20DECISION%20ENACTING%20THE%20LAW%20ON%20COMMUNICATIONS%20OF%20BH%2052-02.pdf +
While press freedom was not explicitly protected in the 1966 Constitution of Botswana, it is reasonable to infer that the broadly drawn protections of freedom of expression encompass freedom of the press as well. The guarantee refers to the protection of communication generally, "whether the communication be to the public generally or to any person or class of persons." The exceptions that it offers are also suggestive of application to the press, in its reference to the potential for the coexistence of freedom of expression with law "that is reasonably required for the purpose of protecting the reputations, rights and freedoms of other persons or the private lives of persons concerned in legal proceedings, preventing the disclosure of information received in confidence, maintaining the authority and independence of the courts, regulating educational institutions in the interests of persons receiving instruction therein, or regulating the technical administration or the technical operation of telephony, telegraphy, posts, wireless, broadcasting or television: "
References:
1966 Constitution of Botswana: https://botswanalaws.com/consolidated-statutes/constitution-of-botswana +
Article 179 of the 1824 Political Constitution of the Empire of Brazil stated: "All are permitted to communicate their thoughts by words, writings and by publications in print without dependence upon censorship, the while they must respond for the abuses they may commit in the exercise of this right, in the cases and manner to be determined by law."
Today, press freedom is protected under Chapter I, Article 5 of the [[Probable year:: 1988]] Constitution: “expression of intellectual, artistic, scientific, and communication activity is free, independent of any censorship or license” (Constitute Project, “Brazil's Constitution of [[Probable year:: 1988]] with Amendments through [[Probable year:: 2017]]” ).
References:
1824 Political Constitution of the Empire of Brazil : English original text of the Constitution of 1824 250 (2010) Title VIII: General Provisions and Guarantees of the Civil and Political Rights of Brazilian Citizens https://heinonline-org.proxygw.wrlc.org/HOL/Page?collection=cow&handle=hein.cow/zzbr0040&id=14&men_tab=srchresults
1988 Brazil Constitution: https://constituteproject.org/constitution/Brazil_ 2017? lang=en +
The Brunei Constitution contains no protections for freedom of the press and grants the government powers for “censorship, the control and suppression of publications, writings, maps, plans, photographs, communications and means of communication” in states of emergency” (Constitute Project, “Brunei Darussalam's Constitution of [[Probable year:: 1959]] with Amendments through [[Probable year:: 2006]]” ).
References:
1959 Constitution of Brunei Darussalam, with Revisions to 2006: https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Brunei_2006 +
The first mention of freedom of the press appeared in Article 79 of the [[Probable year:: 1879]] Tarnovo Constitution: "The Press is free; no censorship can be instituted, and no caution can be required from authors, editors, or publishers. If the author be well known and resides within the Principality no action can be brought against the editor, the publisher, or the salesman." Article 80 offered a modification concerning certain religious texts: "Holy Scripture, prayer-book, and catechisms destined for use in the churches of the Orthodox rite, as also treatises of ecclesiastical law destined for use in Orthodox schools, have to be previously submitted to the approval of the Holy Synod."
Today, press freedom is protected under Article 40 of the [[Probable year:: 1991]] Constitution: “The press and the other mass information media shall be free and shall not be subjected to censorship” (Constitute Project, “Bulgaria's Constitution of [[Probable year:: 1991]] with Amendments through [[Probable year:: 2007]]” ).
References:
1879 Constitution of the Principality of Bulgaria: English translation of the Bulgarian original text of the Constitution of 1879 6 (2014) Chapter XII: The Subjects of the Principality of Bulgaria: https://heinonline-org.proxygw.wrlc.org/HOL/Page?collection=cow&handle=hein.cow/zzbg0031&id=7&men_tab=srchresults
1991 Bulgaria Constitution: https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Bulgaria_2015?lang=en. +
Article 13 of the 1970 Constitution of Upper Volta stated: "Citizens shall enjoy freedom of speech, press, assembly, association, procession and demonstration in the conditions laid down by law. The exercise of these rights shall be limited only by the freedom of others, security and public order"
Article 8 of Burkina Faso’s [[Probable year:: 1991]] Constitution protects freedom of the press: “The freedoms of opinion, of the press and the right to information are guaranteed” (Constitute Project, “Burkina Faso's Constitution of [[Probable year:: 1991]] with Amendments through [[Probable year:: 2012]]” ).
References:
1970 Constitution of Upper Volta: "Title II: Fundamental Rights and Duties of Man and the Citizen," Constitution of Upper Volta (1970): 1006-1008 https://heinonline-org.proxygw.wrlc.org/HOL/Page?collection=cow&handle=hein.cow/zzbf0015&id=3&men_tab=srchresults
“Burkina Faso 1991 (Rev. 2012) Constitution.”
https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Burkina_Faso_2012 +
According to Article 17 of the 1962 Constitution, "The press shall be free except for the restrictions instituted
by law. Laws shall punish severely any attempt against the security of the State."
Title XII, Article 284 of Burundi’s [[Probable year:: 2005]] Constitution protects freedom of the press through the National Council of Communication: “The National Council of Communication has, to the effect, a power of decision notably in the matter of the respect for and the promotion of the freedom of the press and the equitable access of the diverse political, social, economic and cultural opinions to the public media” (Constitute Project, “Burundi's Constitution of [[Probable year:: 2005]]” ). While this clause does not appear in today’s [[Probable year:: 2018]] Constitution, the National Communication Council is still referenced and maintains similar responsibilities (Constitute Project, “Burundi’s Constitution of [[Probable year:: 2018]]) .
References:
English translation of the Constitution of 1962, "Title II: Barundi and their Rights," Constitution of the Kingdom of Burundi : 20-21
https://heinonline-org.proxygw.wrlc.org/HOL/Pagecollection=cow&handle=hein.cow/zzbi0002&id=3&men_tab=srchresults
"Burundi 2005 Constitution": https://constituteproject.org/constitution/Burundi_2005
“Burundi 2018 Constitution.” Constitute. Last modified 2018. https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Burundi_2018?lang=en. +
Cambodia originally protected freedom of the press under Section 2, Article 9 of its [[Probable year:: 1947]] Constitution: “Every Cambodian is free to speak, write, print and publish. He may, either by way of the press or any other means express, spread, defend every opinion so long as he makes no unauthorized use of that right or does not tend to disturb the public order.”
According to Chapter III, Article 41 of the [[Probable year:: 1993]] Cambodian Constitution: "Khmer citizens shall have freedom of expression, press, publication and assembly. No one shall exercise this right to infringe upon the rights of others, to affect the good traditions of the society, to violate public law and order and national security. The regime of the media shall be determined by law."
References:
1947 Cambodia Constitution: Advocatetanmoy Law Library. https://advocatetanmoy.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/cambodia-constitution-1947.pdf
1993 Cambodia Constitution as revised up to 1999: https://pressocm.gov.kh/en/archives/9539 +
The 1961 Cameroon Constitution offered a general guarantee of those rights in the UDHR (of which one is freedom of the press): "The Federal Republic of Cameroon is democratic, secular and social. It shall ensure the equality of all citizens before the law. It affirms its adherence to the fundamental freedoms set out in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the Charter of the United Nations." However, the 1961 Constitution did not discuss the right to freedom of the press specifically.
Freedom of the press is specifically guaranteed in the 1972 Cameroon Constitution: "the freedom of communication, of expression, of the press, of assembly, of association, and of trade unionism, as well as the right to strike shall be guaranteed under the conditions fixed by law"
References:
1961 Constitution of Cameroon: https://condor.depaul.edu/mdelance/images/Pdfs/Federal%20Constitution%20of%20Cameroon.pdf
1972 Constitution of Cameroon as revised up to 2008: https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Cameroon_2008?lang=en +
Freedom of the press is protected under section 2(b) of Canadian Charter on Rights and Freedoms as part of the Constitution Act of [[Probable year:: 1982]]:
“Everyone has the following fundamental freedoms:
• (a) freedom of conscience and religion;
• (b) freedom of thought, belief, opinion and expression, including freedom of the press and other media of communication;
• (c) freedom of peaceful assembly; and
• (d) freedom of association.”
References:
Constitution Act of 1982: https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/pdf/const_e.pdf +
Cape Verde protects press freedom under Article 45 of its [[Probable year:: 1980]] Constitution: “Everyone shall have the freedom to inform and to be informed, obtaining, receiving, and giving out information and ideas in any form without limitation, discrimination, or impediment” (Constitute Project, “Cape Verde's Constitution of [[Probable year:: 1980]] with Amendments through [[Probable year:: 1992]]” ).
References:
Cape Verde's Constitution of 1980 with Amendments through 1992: https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Cape_Verde_1992 +