Average score:

5.0 (2005=5.0)

1.5 Protection of confidential sources of information is guaranteed by law.

ANALYSIS:
There is no specific protection of sources for journalists. In libel cases the law provides that
if a story is claimed to be the “truth”, then the sources must be produced in court. The
tradition of journalistic ethics covering “attribution” is rendered irrelevant.
Pieces of legislation covering official secrets, public procurement, military expenditure and
the Penal Code do not protect sources of information.
SCORES:
Individual scores:

1, 1, 1, 3, 2, 2

Average score:

1.7 (2005=1.0)

1.6 Public information is easily accessible, guaranteed by law, to all citizens, including
journalists.
ANALYSIS:
Public information is not easily obtained from government. It is in fact restricted in some
cases by certain pieces of legislation covering official secrets and national security. Besides
the statutes, the Head of civil service and secretary to the cabinet in 2004 issued orders to
public officers not to “leak” information to the public.
The Government Spokesman attempts to provide information to the public. This though is
largely reactive to given situations and not based on public need or demand.
A few ministries and departments like the Ministry of Health and the Police have public
relations sections. However, these like the Government Spokesman, give limited information
when it comes to matters touching on governance and corruption.
While many commissions have been set up on various issues, the reports have been kept
confidential within government.
SCORES:
Individual scores:

1, 2, 1, 2, 2, 1

Average score:

1.5
3

(2005=1.5)

Select target paragraph3