African Media Barometer COTE D’IVOIRE 2012 Summary With regards to freedom of expression, the Constitution of Côte d’Ivoire (23 July 2000) takes inspiration from the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948) and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (1981). Law no. 2004643, which concerns the legal status of the press (December 2004), supports the principles of freedom of expression by protecting the freedom of the press. Côte d’Ivoire has, in recent times, undergone political upheaval, which heavily impacted on the freedom of expression. Given that some organised groups lead physical attacks on people during this period, citizens had every reason to be scared of expressing themselves freely. The situation has improved significantly, even though the employee of an Abidjan radio station was assassinated in May 2011, for what seemed to be political motives. In principle, Law no. 2004-643 does not allow imprisonment for violations of the press laws. There are, however, exceptions, such as incitement of theft, hate speech, speech that incites social disruption, poses a threat to the integrity of the national territory, etc. These exceptions leave too much leeway for interpretation by the courts. Côte d’Ivoire has ratified most of the regional and international instruments pertaining to freedom of expression and freedom of the press. Although Law no. 2004-643 requires that some administrative conditions be fulfilled, written publications are not subject to authorisation. This law also stipulates how the journalistic profession is practiced, without, however, imposing measures preventing entry to the profession or its exercise. It furthermore protects sources of information. Côte d’Ivoire’s General Civil Service Regulations, require confidentiality from civil servants. As a result, scandals are at times covered up, or public information provided is often selective or partial. Consequently, one can say that access to public information is not easy. Access to the Internet on the other hand is free and Internet sites appear and disappear without State interference. The press benefits from civil society’s support but there are still many challenges to overcome in order to develop a real synergy between the two parties. The media and civil society organisations are involved in the drafting of documents regulating the media. These documents are unfortunately not always implemented. It even happens that documents are modified without consultation. 64 AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER COTE D’IVOIRE 2012