SECTOR 1

1.10 The state does not seek to block or filter internet
content unless laws provide for restrictions that serve
a legitimate interest and are necessary in a democratic
society.
Panel members are of the opinion that the internet is moving faster than legislators,
and that this, in part, is an advantage. They said the government does not seek to
block internet content not because it is not willing to do so, but perhaps for lack of
technical capacity. They mentioned, however, that the connection speed had been
noted to slow down whenever sensitive developments took place, but could not
establish whether this was done on purpose in order to deny the public access to
this kind of information.

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

1.11 Civil society in general and media lobby groups
actively advance the cause of media freedom.
The civil society in Angola is relatively young. There are civil society organisations
that have tended to distance themselves from media matters. However, there are
others, such as AJPD, ADRA, MISA, OSISA, Mãos Livres (Free Hands), the
Bar Association, the Workers Union of Angola (UNTA) and ACC, which align
themselves with the cause of press freedom.
For example, reference was made to acts of support and solidarity when journalist
Graça Campos was arrested and when another journalist, Luísa Rogério,
was brought to court. Also, during the controversial case in which two private

AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER ANGOLA 2010

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