<P> The press shall be free, but the law may suppress abuses of this freedom . However, Bibles, catechisms, liturgical and prayer books shall not be printed without the prior permission of the Bishop . </P> <P> After the abolition of the monarchy in 1946 and the abrogation of the Statute in 1948, the Constitution of the Republic of Italy guarantees the freedom of the press, as stated in Article 21, Paragraphs 2 and 3: </P> <P> The press may not be subjected to any authorisation or censorship . Seizure may be permitted only by judicial order stating the reason and only for offences expressly determined by the law on the press or in case of violation of the obligation to identify the persons responsible for such offences . </P> <P> The Constitution allows the warrantless confiscation of periodicals in cases of absolute urgency, when the Judiciary cannot timely intervene, on the condition that a judicial validation must be obtained within 24 hours . Article 21 also gives restrictions against those publications considered offensive by public morality, as stated in Paragraph 6: </P>

History of freedom of the press in uk