Верховный суд Латвийской Республики
20 апреля 2011 года
Facts:
The applicants, Z.M. and V.Z., attended a private event in a sauna where they expected privacy. During the event, photographs showing them nude were taken without their consent. These photos were later published by the local newspaper without permission. The applicants argued that the publication of these images caused them emotional distress and harmed their personal dignity.
Complaint:
The applicants claimed that the publication violated their rights to privacy and protection of personal image. They sought compensation for moral damage and an official apology from the newspaper.
Court’s ruling:
The Court found that publishing the photographs without the applicants’ consent constituted an unlawful interference with their private life and a violation of their dignity. The private nature of the sauna event entailed a reasonable expectation of privacy. The right to freedom of the press does not override personal rights in such circumstances.
Consequently, the Court awarded the applicants moral damages and ordered the newspaper to publish an apology.