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: 2.6 (2012 = 2.2; 2010 = 1.2; 2008 = 1.3; 2006 = 1.1) 1.3 There are no laws or parts of laws restricting freedom of expression such as excessive official secrets, libel acts, legal requirements that restrict the entry into the journalistic profession or laws that unreasonably interfere with the functions of media. Several laws exist that restrict freedom of expression. The POSA Act states that police clearance is required in order to carry a march of a demonstration “and this is not an easy process, especially if you want to go past parliament.” The Official Secrets Act hampers access to information that is deemed to be secret. The Act covers any matter which the state may allege to be “prejudicial to the safety and interests of Zimbabwe”. It does not define what is meant by the term “interests”. Its provisions are exceedingly wide in scope. Per the stipulations that exist in the AIPPA Act, even though journalists are able to practice their trade without accreditation, in order to access public information, they have to be accredited by the government. Attaining this accreditation is a cumbersome and restrictive process, and annual renewals are required. “Your qualification doesn’t grant that you’ll be able to practice. The accreditation section of AIPPA requires that you have references. So unless you were able to publish articles while you were studying, it is difficult to be accredited as an entry journalist.” AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER ZIMBABWE 2015 15