SECTOR 2 2.2 Citizens’ access to domestic and international media sources is not restricted by state authorities. The HAAC does not allow Togolese radio stations to rebroadcast international services or foreign programmes without its authorisation. This is part of the licensing conditions of private stations, be they commercial or community. However, some operators ignore their contractual obligations and are quick to sign off their licensing papers regardless, just to obtain their frequency. This prohibition by the HAAC seems to be targeted, in part, at information of a political nature produced and broadcast by foreign channels in Togo. More broadly and in particular, the regulatory authority forbids radio broadcasters to retransmit the journal of Radio France International (RFI). The French international channel is also being disrupted in Togo when it deals with topics considered sensitive regarding the situation in the country. Correspondents and representatives of French media like RFI, RTL and La Croix experienced numerous difficulties when trying to obtain visa and accreditation to cover the presidential election of March 2010. However, some private radio conglomerates based in Lomé, notably Kanal FM and Nana FM, rebroadcast Voice of America (VOA) productions without experiencing any problems. In the words of one panelist “some stations are granted permission for things that the local media are not allowed to do”. As for print media, “what applies to radio does not apply to newspapers”, one panelist said. Foreign print media are hardly ever subjected to administrative or any other restrictions. In terms of article 13 of the Press Code, “the distribution, sale and circulation of foreign publications is free. However, they can be interdicted by a court order at the request of the State Attorney when one of the provisions of (…) the code has been violated”. Togolese newspapers, some panelists said, are occasionally banned by prefects. In 2005, for example, Forum and Liberté were banned in Kara, the home area of President Gnassingbé. AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER TOGO 2010 97