SECTOR 1

1.10 The State does not seek to block or filter Internet
content unless laws provide for restrictions that serve
a legitimate interest and are necessary in a democratic
society.
In recent years the State has not tried to block internet content. In 2007, the
government tried to block topix.com, a website that discussed pertinent issues
relating to government but at some stage started carrying content that was
vulgar. The government did not succeed in shutting down the website.

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:

4.8 (2010 = 3.2; 2008 = n/a; 2006 = n/a)

1.11 Civil society in general and media lobby groups
actively advance the cause of media freedom.
All the advocacy work around media freedom is undertaken by MISA-Lesotho as
there are no other existing media lobby groups.
MISA-Lesotho is supported by societies who rely heavily on it to initiate and
undertake media related campaigns. MISA holds public discussion forums and
does a great deal of lobby and advocacy work around media freedom and
freedom of expression issues with the general public and government and most
specifically with parliament.
MISA has been at the forefront of pushing for model legislation including Access
to Information initiatives.

AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER LESOTHO 2012

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