SECTOR 1 is no legislation in Botswana guaranteeing access to information, government officials may refuse any requests for information. The NSA also empowers government to clamp down on anything that might threaten the security of the country or any act that is contrary to the interests of the country. Under the Cinematography Act, the minister responsible for the media needs to approve all film scripts, and any changes made to such scripts during production. The Corruption and Economic Crime Act bars the Directorate of Corruption and Economic Crime from releasing information on any person who is being investigated by the directorate. The Police Act allows the police to monitor communication made via land line and cellular telephones. “There is a general understanding among Batswana about the role of the media and the rights of individuals, but there is also a lack of advocacy in the country. People believe that once the chief has spoken, everyone must fall in line. The rights may be there but they may also be abused by people in power.” What is more, the Botswana Penal Code contains provisions for criminal libel, sedition and the publishing of “false news” or news that might “alarm the pubic”. Scores: Individual scores: 1 Country does not meet indicator 2 Country minimally meets aspects of the indicator. 3 Country meets many aspects of indicator but progress may be too recent to judge. 4 Country meets most aspects of indicator. 5 Country meets all aspects of the indicator and has been doing so over time. Average score: 1.0 (2005 = 1.3; 2007 = 1.3) AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER BOTSWANA 2009 15