HD gives TV4 the right regarding the confiscated memory card

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In February last year, police confiscated a memory card from a TV4 journalist who had allegedly filmed the courtroom. The district court upheld the decision, which was later overturned by the appeals court.

Now the Supreme Court confirms the decision of the Court of Appeal after the Attorney General appealed to the highest level.

In its ruling, the Court of Appeal ruled that the confiscation contravened the Freedom of Expression Act's ban on censorship and other restrictive measures.

If the appeals court's decision becomes indicative, Rowe wrote in his appeal, it ultimately means there are “always obstacles to seizing something that might otherwise be intended to be published” from a journalist for criminal investigative purposes.

Rowe further stated that this would have far-reaching consequences on the possibilities of investigating and prosecuting crimes.

HD also considered that the case raises “the issue of confiscation of evidence of journalistic materials that conflict with the protection of freedom of expression and media” and granted permission to appeal.

Its decision now states that the detention contravenes the fundamentals of freedom of expression.