Swaziland AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER SWAZILAND 2007 Sector 1: 1.1 Freedom of expression, including freedom of the media, are effectively protected and promoted. Freedom of expression, including freedom of the media, is guaranteed in the constitution and protected by other pieces of legislation. ANALYSIS: The Constitution of the Kingdom of Swaziland came into effect on 8 February 2006. Freedom of expression and freedom of the media are guaranteed and protected by the Constitution, but there are no other pieces of legislation that protect these twin freedoms. Section 24 of the Constitution states: “(1) A person has a right of freedom of expression and opinion. (2) A person shall not except with the free consent of that person be hindered in the enjoyment of freedom of expression, which includes the freedom of the press and other media…” However, Section 24 (3) contains broad limitations on the right to freedom of expression which can undermine the protections provided in clauses (1) and (2). It states: “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) (b) 2 that is reasonably required in the interests of defence, public safety, public order, public morality or public health; that is reasonably required for the purpose of – African Media Barometer - Swaziland 2007