SECTOR 1 mechanisms of expressing oneself, and does not touch on the right to freedom of expression in itself. Rather than legislation empowering people to express themselves freely, or the media to express itself, there are a plethora of laws that curtail freedom of expression. Amongst others, these include the Internal Security Act, the Penal Code, the Sedition Proclamation, and the Official Secrets Act. Lesotho does not have a freedom of information act, and civil society is driving the creation of such a law more than government. “If you have this right (freedom of expression), then people should have information so that they can express this right.” 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: 2.4 (2012 = 2.9; 2010 = 2.1; 2008 = 1.9; 2006 = 2.1) 1.2 The right to freedom of expression is practised and citizens, including journalists, are asserting their rights without fear. Citizens very rarely express themselves freely, and when they do, they often do so anonymously. During phone-in programmes, for example, “people fear to mention their names, while journalists avoid certain issues because they fear repercussions.” Callers may give themselves nicknames in order to hide their identity – especially on political issues. “There is self-censorship because of fear, and this is clear from the norm that people don’t want to use their names. Some people have used their names with consequence.” AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER LESOTHO 2015 13