Can a ‘like’ on Facebook damage the fiduciary bond in order to motivate a dismissal?
The ECtHR, under certain conditions, says no: it would violate Article 10 (freedom of expression) of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECtHR, Section II, June 15, 2021, no. 35786/19).
The case submitted involved the dismissal of an employee of the Turkish Ministry of National Education.
The worker had given a “like” to certain Facebook content published by third parties containing:
- political criticism against alleged repressive methods of the authorities
- appeals and calls for demonstrations to protest against these practices
- expressions of indignation
- reports of alleged abuse of students
- a strong reaction to a statement, deemed sexist, made by a religious figure known to the public
She was fired and the Turkish authorities confirmed the dismissal.
The Turkish authorities had considered that the several ‘Like’ to the publications in question were capable of disturbing the quiet of the workplace.
The Strasbourg Court took a different view.
He noted that these were topics of general interest for debate.
And Article 10 of the Convention, for Political Speeches and Matters of General Interest, does not allow any restrictions.
The Turkish authorities therefore incorrectly assessed the facts and factors, reaching the wrong conclusion that the ‘like’ was capable to disturb the peace and tranquility of people in the workplace.
The Strasbourg Court, condamning Turkey, also assessed the disproportion between the expulsive order and the underlying facts, ruled that the national courts had not applied the rules according to the principles enshrined in Article 10 of the Convention placed as a guarantee of freedom of expression.