In the first case of its type in Sweden. The Swedish Chancellor of Justice has sued (Swedish decision here) the importer of the computer game Postal 2 for its excessive violence for an offence against The Fundamental Law on Freedom of Expression (in English here), which is part of the Swedish Constitution (in English here).
Chapter 5 art 1, Second paragraph states â??Under the same conditions, unlawful portrayal of violence whereby a person intrusively or protractedly portrays in moving pictures gross acts of violence against persons or animals, with intent to disseminate the item, shall also be regarded as a freedom of expression offence unless the act is justifiable having regard to the circumstances.â??
The importer states that they follow the recommendations of PEGI (Pan European Game Information). The game was rated 18 and also carried a red warning label from the manufacturer. 200 copies of the game have been sold in Sweden.
The Office of the Chancellor of Justice was introduced by King Charles XII in 1713. One of the duties of the Chancellor is to ensure that the limits of the freedom of the press and other media are not transgressed and to act as the only public prosecutor in cases regarding offences against the freedom of the press and other media.
The trial will start next week and should be interesting in many aspects.