SECTOR 1 Over the past two years, instruments recognizing, guaranteeing and protecting freedom of expression have neither been improved nor challenged. Certain observed practices have heightened collective awareness on the shortcomings of the legislative and regulatory instruments relating to freedom of expression and freedom of the media. d to adopt a wait-and-see attitude. Scores: Individual scores: 1 Country does not meet indicator 2 Country minimally meets aspects of the indicator. 3 Country meets many aspects of indicator but progress may be too recent to judge. 4 Country meets most aspects of indicator. 5 Country meets all aspects of the indicator and has been doing so over time. Average score: 3.6 (2007=3.3) 1.2 The right to freedom of expression is practised and citizens, including journalists, are asserting their rights without fear. The right to freedom of expression is a reality in Benin. Citizens express their opinions without fear in general. However, increasing pressure is being put over the past few years on media professionals, civil society actors, private business executives and civil servants, who fear repercussions. The government uses subtle means to prevent citizens from asserting their right to freedom of expression (tax adjustments, audit missions of public administration, relocation and appointment of civil servants...). Certain organised civil groups (unions,etc.), civil servants, private service providers working with the public administration fear that their interests are at stake. There are also fears relating to the socio-political environment: repercussions (abusive relocations, fiscal threats, threats relating to careers, repressive use of the State Audit Office). Based on illustrations and testimonies, it has been proven that citizens in general are now more reluctantto comment on national issues in the media. “I don’t know what I’m risking. The last time one of my colleagues received a demand for an explanation following an interview he gave to the press...” AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER BENIN 2009 73