Swaziland quo, though this often happens in a “subtle and covert” manner. Land expulsion is the most threatening form of retribution. The majority of Swazis live on Swazi national land, which is controlled by the traditional authorities. “Speak too openly and you risk eviction from your home”. The lack of land tenure inhibits the practice of freedom of expression. Fear of those in power (both traditional and political authorities) means people only express their political views “behind closed doors”. Political debate does not occur publicly and is suppressed by the cultural dictate that those in authority must not be questioned. The media is often told not to question the King on sensitive political issues, and they always follow suit. Criticism of the monarchy remains strictly off-limits. When the Times of Swaziland recently published a story that blamed the dwindling economy on the King’s lavish spending, the paper was forced to issue an apology immediately or face closure. The constitutional protection of freedom of expression was described as mere “window-dressing”, guaranteeing this right “on paper only, not in practice.” SCORES: Individual scores: 1, 3, 3, 2, 2, 2, 2, 2 Average score: 2.1 6 (2005=1.6) African Media Barometer - Swaziland 2007