SECTOR 1 1.7 Confidential sources of information protected by law and/or the courts. are Aside from the code of professional conduct, there are no legal provisions to protect confidential sources of information. Not revealing their source of information in a court of law is an aggravating factor for journalists. Certain judges, during libel cases, are outraged by the refusal of journalists to reveal sources of information they intent to protect. In the case of information derived from an administrative document, the refusal of journalists leads judges to sentence them for possession of administrative document. A few years ago, many publications directors unaware of this penal code provision awkwardly paraded copies of administrative documents as proof during libel cases. This was the case for the journalist Edgar Kaho of the newspaper “Le Soleil” regarding the ten million francs paid in the 80s at the onset of the democratic renewal process to cover the healthcare costs of Mrs. Rosine Soglo, then First Lady. Nowadays, lawyers and legal counsels ensure publications directors avoid such blunders during trials. 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: 1.3 (2007=1.0) 1.8 Public information is easily guaranteed by law, to all citizens. accessible, TThere are no legal provisions to ensure easy access to public information for citizens. A draft information code is being prepared and could be a solution to the current situation. Journalists are often obliged to use alternative methods that are sometimes breaking administrative rules. As a consequence, during libel cases journalists are forced to protect their sources. Media houses have been sentenced in certain cases for possession of administrative documents. 78 AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER BENIN 2009