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European Court Rules Scotland Violated BBC Journalist Rights

By Drooid · Oct 13, 2026, 10:10 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

European Court of Human Rights ruled Scotland violated freedom of expression by excluding BBC journalist Steven Duff.
The exclusion happened at Aberdeen Sheriff Court during an August 2018 hearing on an Aberdeenshire care home.
The court said closing courts requires a compelling reason and should be rare.
Legal costs for the case were awarded to the BBC.

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Story summary

European Court of Human Rights ruled Scotland violated freedom of expression by excluding BBC journalist Steven Duff.
The exclusion happened at Aberdeen Sheriff Court during an August 2018 hearing on an Aberdeenshire care home.
The court said closing courts requires a compelling reason and should be rare.
Legal costs for the case were awarded to the BBC.