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: 5.0 1.2 The right to freedom of expression is practised and citizens, including journalists, are asserting their rights without fear. Although the right to freedom of expression for journalists and citizens is exercised in the Democratic Republic of Congo there are serious concerns on a number of levels. The head of a union, for example, had to flee his home in order to escape a nightly visit because he had criticised the government programme. Generally speaking, journalists are not afraid to write their articles but they are always under pressure as there is a chance of reprisals. This is in particular the case when it comes to certain sensitive information: Some sources of information are difficult to access. There are journalists who believe that by verifying information they expose themselves to serious danger. A journalist who conducts an interview with a “rebel” military can immediately be charged for complicity with the enemy on the basis of the Military Penal Code for which he/she risks the death sentence. This, albeit the fact that article 11 of the 1996 Law in substance provides that “a journalist is free to access all sources of information except in cases provided for by the law.” These circumstances affect the freedom of journalists to work on subjects of their choice. Furthermore, in order to handle information properly and professionally, journalists need to be able to effectively access real sources of information. However, journalists sometimes are afraid of probing sources further. The example of a reporter, who was verifying information on military pay-outs and, who was reprimanded comes to mind. Fear and concern prevail either because of the tight AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER Democratic Republic of Congo 75