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: 1.8 (2005 = 1.9; 2007 = 1.9; 2009 =1.3) 1.3 There are no laws restricting freedom of expression such as excessive official secret or libel acts, or laws that unreasonably interfere with the responsibilities of media. “The constitution states that you are free to express yourself, but there are various ‘claw-back’ laws that limit this freedom.” One such law is the Public Service Act (PSA) of 2008, which restricts civil servants from expressing themselves. They can be dismissed instantly for speaking to the media or providing information without the permission of the minister or the permanent secretary. The laws restricting freedom of expression include the Intelligence and Security Services Act, which established the spy unit, the Directorate of Intelligence, and Security Services (DISS). Other legislation, which impinges on the ability of the media to perform its duties are the National Security Act, the Public Service Act, the Cinematography Act, the Police Act and the Corruption and Economic Crime Act. Under the Cinematography Act, for example, every film script needs to be approved by the state, as well as any changes made to such scripts during production. The Botswana Penal Code contains provisions for criminal libel, sedition and the publishing of “false news” or news that might “alarm the pubic”. The Media Practitioners Act (MPA), which among others requires all journalists and publications to register with the state, was passed in December 2008 but is not yet operational as regulations still need to be passed and a commencement AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER BOTSWANA 2011 13