It also extends protection for freedom of expression to new media actors, including bloggers.
Memory laws, which penalise the expression of opinions about historical facts, are unacceptable under the ICCPR, the comment states.
It also states that blasphemy laws are incompatible with the multinational treaty, except under very specific circumstances subject to strict requirements set out in the ICCPR.
Freedom of expression is a necessary condition for the realisation of the principles of transparency and accountability that are, in turn, essential for the promotion and protection of human rights, the General Comment states.
States parties should put in place effective measures to protect against attacks aimed at silencing those exercising their right to freedom of expression."
