Ralikonelo “Leqhashasha” Joki “undermining democracy and efforts towards a free media”. (11) The Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) Lesotho’s interventions often fall short — not only in this case but in other similar instances — due to a lack of co-operation by the media. Journalists believe that they should be able to inform citizens to make informed decisions and hold the government and those in positions of power accountable, without fear of reprisals. Journalists, for various reasons, including concerns for their own safety, are often reluctant to provide adequate information. This hampers the effectiveness of MISA’s response. The Computer Crimes and Cyber Security Bill was introduced in 2021 with the aim of combating cybercrimes. Legal and political developments affecting media freedom across the region However, certain sections within the Bill have raised concerns among analysts, as they are seen as posing a threat to the freedom of the press and freedom of expression. (12) These sections also aim to tighten restrictions on access to information and criminalise defamation. In 2021, the government of Lesotho, like many other countries in the region began a process to introduce legislation that journalists describe as It is worth noting that criminalising defamation goes against a significant court judgement from 39 STATE OF PRESS FREEDOM IN SOUTHERN AFRICA 2023