SECTOR 1 Freedom of expression, including freedom of the media, is effectively protected and promoted. 1.1 Freedom of expression, including freedom of the media, is guaranteed in the Constitution and supported by other pieces of legislation. Freedom of expression is guaranteed in Section 14(1) of Lesotho’s Constitution, which reads: (1) Every person shall be entitled to, and (except with his own consent) shall not be hindered in his enjoyment of, freedom of expression, including freedom to hold opinions without interference, freedom to receive ideas and information without interference, freedom to communicate ideas and information without interference (whether the communication be to the public generally or to any person or class of persons) and freedom from interference with his correspondence. However, this guarantee “doesn’t go far” because of limitations set in other parts of the Constitution, which the state uses – supposedly for public interest, defence and security – to keep the citizens of Lesotho from fully exercising this freedom. These restrictions can be found in section 14(2) of the Constitution. It reads: (2) Nothing contained in or done under the authority of any law shall be held to be inconsistent with or in contravention of this section to the extent that the law in question makes provision a) in the interests of defence, public safety, public order, public morality or public health; or b) for the purpose of protecting the reputations, rights and freedoms of other persons or the private lives of persons concerned in legal proceedings, preventing the disclosure of information received in confidence, maintaining the authority and independence of the courts, or regulating the technical administration or the technical operation of telephony, telegraphy, posts, wireless broadcasting or television; or c) for the purpose of imposing restrictions upon public officers. While there is general consensus that the clause on freedom of expression extends to the media, it is not separately or explicitly spelled out; and there are no additional supporting laws specifically protecting media freedom. The Communications Act of 2012 speaks more to the regulation of the broadcastingindustry and the 12 AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER LESOTHO 2015