SECTOR 1

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: 			

2.3

1.3
There are no laws restricting freedom of
expression such as excessive official secret or libel
acts, or laws that unreasonably interfere with the
responsibilities of media.
There are laws in Angola that restrict freedom of expression and limit the exercise
of press freedom. These are:
•
The State Security Act;
•
The Penal Code (Defamation and Libel);
•
The Access to Classified Documents Act; and
•
The State Secrets Act.
The State Secrets Act, in particular, was pointed out as an example of a piece of
legislation obstructing the full exercise of press freedom. Section 26 of this law
provides for sanctions that include prison terms for individuals other than political
office bearers or public servants who disseminate classified information and
material, regardless of how and through which sources they may have obtained
the information or documents in question. It was noted that it is in the nature
of journalistic work to continually search for information and that it would be
unfair and unjust to criminalise journalists for having access to such classified
information or documents.

AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER ANGOLA 2010

81

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