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. Cameroon’s constitution, revised in 1996 and modified in 2008, grants citizens the freedom to express themselves in many ways. The Preamble, a legally binding component of the constitution, states that “freedom of communication, of expression, of the press, of assembly, of association, and of trade unionism, as well as the right to strike shall be guaranteed under the conditions fixed by law”. Article 19 further states that: “Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers”. The 1990 Law on Freedom of Social Communication reflects the spirit of the Constitution by reaffirming the guarantees of freedom of expression and of the media. It also lays down the conditions under which they can be enjoyed. The breadth of application of freedom of expression includes printing presses, libraries, and all forms of print news media, radio stations and television channels1. The Law of Social Communication, however, fails to make direct mention of digital news and information outlets such as news websites, blogs and social media, which have emerged more recently. But in spite of these guarantees, other pieces of legislation hinder the ability of citizens to take full advantage of their freedom of expression. The Penal Code2 punishes a wide range of offenses directly related to the exercise of freedom of expression and of the media, such as libel, defamation, circulation of false information, possession of confidential information and contempt of a public official3. Although panellists appeared to agree that freedom of expression and of the media are not a blank cheque for irresponsible conduct, they viewed criminal libel and defamation as serious threats to the full exercise of such freedoms. Criminal libel and defamation are applied indiscriminately to citizens and journalists. 1 2 3 80 Law No 90/052 of 19 December 1990 on the Freedom of Social Communication, Articles 2.1, 3, 6, 36.1 1967 Penal Code (1967), Articles 152, 153, 154 AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER CAMEROON 2014