SECTOR 1 Scores: Individual scores: 1 Country does not meet indicator 2 Country minimally meets aspects of the indicator. 3 Country meets many aspects of indicator but progress may be too recent to judge. 4 Country meets most aspects of indicator. 5 Country meets all aspects of the indicator and has been doing so over time. Average score: 3.4 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. Freedom of Expression is effectively governed by several legal instruments in Ivory Coast. Panel members in fact admit that such measures must exist in order to organise and create spaces for the freedom of everyone within the limits set by the Ivorian legislator and in compliance with the Declaration of Principles on Freedom of Expression in Africa.9 In Ivory Coast, prison sentences cannot be served upon violators of the media Act 2004-64310. However, in certain cases, prison sentences may be applied in conformity with article 174 of the Penal Code, which stipulates that: “whosoever by means of an act, words, shout or threat, by written word, image, drawing, printout, document, display or poster or by a means that allows visual or audible contact with the public directly incites theft, murder crimes, looting, arson or destruction of buildings or any other offence described under this chapter, shall be punished: 3) In the event this incitement has produced its effect, with the same sentence as the perpetrators of the offence; 9 The latter calls on signatory countries to ensure that “all restrictions to the freedom of expression imposed, by law shall serve a legitimate purpose and are necessary in a democratic society”. 10 offences against public property, offences against persons and goods, offenses against Heads of State and foreign diplomats, fines for prohibited publications and offences against institutions and their members AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER IVORY COAST 2009 77