Botswana
dia still continue to publish what they want.
SCORES:
Individual scores:

2, 2, 2, 2, 2, 2, 1, 2, 3, 1

Average score:

1.9

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.

ANALYSIS:
It was noted that there is a lot of arrogance within the Botswana
civil service and that although the freedom to receive information
is constitutionally guaranteed, there is no freedom to seek information. This is not helped by the fact that the President seems to have
unlimited powers under the country’s constitution. His actions are
such that he appears to be above the law.
Therefore, freedom of expression may be guaranteed in the Constitution but specific legislation takes away that freedom from the
media. For example, in terms of the Public Service Act, public officers are prohibited from releasing public information - though,
admittedly, leaks do happen.
SCORES:

8

Individual scores:

1, 1, 1, 2, 1, 1, 2, 1, 2, 1

Average score:

1.3

African Media Barometer - Botswana 2005

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