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: 2.7 (2005 = 2.6; 2007 = 2.3; 2009 = 1.9) 1.2 The right to freedom of expression is practised and citizens, including journalists, are asserting their rights without fear. “You express yourself at your own cost… there is a plethora of people who fear their own shadows.” Batswana do not feel very free to express themselves, as there is a fear that people are followed by government spies, and the state is scrutinising electronic communication, such as e-mails and text messages, and tapping telephones. This fear is a direct result of the establishment in 2008 of the spy unit, the Directorate of Intelligence and Security Services (DISS), after President Lieutenant General Seretse Khama Ian Khama succeeded former president Festus Mogae. “People can talk, but they are still afraid… You don’t know if you can even think on your own.” The Media Practitioners Act (MPA), passed in December 2008, but not yet operational, contains threatening clauses, including imprisonment that could be taken against journalists who, it is argued by media practitioners; do not toe the government line. In general terms, the act states, under clause 36: “Any person who contravenes any provision of this Act commits an offence and is liable to a fine not exceeding P5,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding three years, or to both.” AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER BOTSWANA 2011 11