SECTOR 1 Freedom of expression, including freedom of the media, is effectively protected and promoted. 1.1 Freedom of expression, including freedom of the media, is guaranteed in the constitution and supported by other pieces of legislation. Freedom of expression has always been guaranteed in the constitution of Mauritius. 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.” Within Section 12 there is a subsection that limits this right: 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,except so far as that provision or, as the case may be, the thing done under its authority is shown not to be reasonably justifiable in a democratic society.” So, while freedom of expression which includes freedom of the media is generally guaranteed under the Constitution of Mauritius, there are some worrying potential restrictions on the use of this right. For example, limitations to the right to freedom of expression are possible in the interest of “public morality”. This is a very vague concept, open to all sorts of interpretation. 10 AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER MAURITIUS 2010