SECTOR 1 the intelligence branch of the Police – the National Security Services – may check the background of applicants applying for press cards. Scores: Individual scores: 1 Country does not meet indicator 2 Country meets only a few aspects of indicator 3 Country meets some aspects of indicator 4 Country meets most aspects of indicator 5 Country meets all aspects of the indicator Average score: 4.9 (2008 = 2.5) 1.7 Confidential sources of information protected by law and/or the courts. are Legislation in Mauritius does not protect confidential sources of information. There is always pressure on journalists by state authorities to reveal their sources, but the majority of journalists resist this pressure. However, on occasion the pressure is mounted on journalists in a manner that makes them give in. For example, during their morning programme, two radio journalists stated that the weekly cabinet meeting would not be taking place because the Prime Minister was ill. A short while later, the police barged into the studio and demanded the journalists and editor reveal their source. They were still live on air, and both journalists caved in. But while there is no legislation protecting confidential sources, there is no legislation forcing journalists to reveal their sources either. Police often question journalists on the source of information after a story has been published or broadcast, but most journalists categorically state that they will not reveal their source, and the matter is dropped. One panellist related an incident where she was asked to reveal her source. When she hesitated, she was told by the enquiring officer to respond by saying that she did not know anything. Taking this route seems to be the quickest, simplest and most reliable way to end the matter. 16 AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER MAURITIUS 2010