safety of journalists in southern Africa Censorship on the rise While censorship appeared to be declining between 2009 and 2010, it is unfortunately on the rise again and there was an average of 10.2 incidents of censorship reported yearly throughout the fiveyear period. Decrease in banning incidents MISA is pleased to see that after a peak of 30 incidents reported in 2009, reports of media workers being banned from reporting on issues in the public interest has declined, and 2012 reported the lowest number of banning violations over the five-year period (just two incidents reported). Low level of sentences reported While the number of violations classified as ‘sentenced’ are low throughout the period (there was a high of nine media workers sentenced in the region in 2011, while other years reported between only one and five incidents), the number of violations reported under the ‘legislated’ classification represents one of the highest categories over the five years. It is important to note that there are likely many cases that go unreported, as well as cases where journalists are charged under restrictive legislation but are released on appeal and not sentenced. 6 Back Contents Next