The State has fine-tuned the apparatus that impedes citizens from expressing themselves and a large number of people feel they may be arrested anywhere at any time for anything. Editors can be forced to reveal their sources under the Parliamentary Privileges Act, and under the Defence Act the state can punish a journalist who has access to “sensitive” information considered seditious or treasonous. The same act restricts journalists from uncovering or revealing how the Ministry of Defence utilises funds allocated to it. SCORES: Individual scores: Average score: 3.4 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 2 1.1 (2006 = 1.3) Entry into and practice of the journalistic profession is legally unrestricted. ANALYSIS: As from December 2007 the accreditation of journalists with the Zimbabwe Media Commission is no longer compulsory. Nevertheless, the practice of the journalistic profession remains partly restricted. Journalists who are not accredited may be barred from access to public places (such as Parliament, polling stations), state facilities and state functions (Independence Day celebrations etc). This is seen as a severe restriction on the exercise of their profession. SCORES: Individual scores: Average score: 3.5 2, 3, 2, 3, 2, 2, 4, 2, 2, 3 2.5 (2006 = 1.4) Protection of confidential sources of information is guaranteed by law. ANALYSIS: Confidential sources of information are not protected by any law and journalists can be forced to reveal their sources. The above mentioned Parliamentary Privileges Act makes provision for enforcing such disclosure. SCORES: Individual scores: Average score: 3.6 1, 2, 2, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1.2 2006 = 1.0) Public information is easily accessible, guaranteed by law, to all citizens including journalists. ANALYSIS: AIPPA – the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act – professes to make access to public information possible. But this is not the case. The criteria to gain access to informaSo This Is Democracy? 2008 -260- Media Institute of Southern Africa