MAURITIUS AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER MAURITIUS 2008 Sector 1: Freedom of expression, including freedom of the media, are effectively protected and promoted. 1.1 Freedom of expression, including freedom of the media, is guaranteed in the constitution and protected by other pieces of legislation. ANALYSIS: Section 12 (1) of the Constitution of Mauritius states that except with his own consent, no person shall be hindered in the enjoyment of his freedom of expression, that is to say, freedom to hold opinions and to receive and impart ideas and information without interference, and freedom from interference with his correspondence. Following this general guarantee, subsection 2 of the same section introduces possible limitations: Nothing contained in or done under the authority of any law shall be held to be inconsistent with or in contravention of this section to the extent that the law in question makes provision – • in the interests of defence, public safety, public order, public morality or public health; • for the purpose of protecting the reputations, rights and freedoms of other persons or the private lives of persons concerned in legal proceedings, preventing the disclosure of information received in confidence, maintaining the authority and independence of the courts, or regulating the technical administration of the technical operation of telephony, telegraphy, posts, wireless broadcasting, television, public exhibitions or public entertainments; or • for the imposition of restrictions upon public officers, African Media Barometer - Mauritius 2008 3