SECTOR 1 under control all acts that disturb the public peace through the propagation, publication, spreading and reproduction of false news” make the panelists feel skeptical about the efective protection of freedom of expression. Even if they agree that there is no ideal freedom of expression, there is some consensus that all the laws seek to protect freedom of expression. he challenge is at the level of implementation. his is the case of the law of 1901 on associations (inherited from France), Law 60-12 of 30 June 1960 on the freedom of the media which was replaced by Law 97-010 of 20 August 1997 declareing the liberalization of broadcasting airwaves and the law establishing HAAC. 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: 3.6 (2007=3.3 ; 2009=3.6) 1.2 The right to freedom of expression is practised and citizens, including journalists, are asserting their rights without fear. he freedom of expression is truly efective in Benin and the citizens as well as journalists are exercising their freedom. When people are however asked to give their perception of fear, it is noted that it is positive or negative depending on the sphere in which the question is to be applied. Various cases were cited to illustrate this during discussions on the issue by the panel. With regard to workers, their freedom of expression is curtailed by fear since the security forces aggressively crush workers’ demonstrations, for example when the trade union oice was invaded by the military in order to prevent them from holding a meeting. AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER BENIN 2011 75