Mali African Media Barometer - Mali 2008 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 Republic of Mali formally guarantees freedom of expression, including freedom of the media. Article 4 of the constitution stipulates that: “all individuals have a right to the freedom of thought, conscience, religion, worship, opinion, expression and creation within the boundaries set by law.” In conformity with the Declaration of Principles on Freedom of Expression in Africa by the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights”, article 7 of the Constitution stipulates that: “The freedom of the media is recognized and guaranteed. It is exercised within the conditions set by law. Equal access for all to State media is ensured by an independent body whose statutes are established by an organic law.” Act 0046/AN-RM of 7 July 2000 on media and breach of media regulation directs the application of this freedom in Mali. Individual scores: 5, 4, 3, 4, 5, 5, 5, 5, 4, 4. Average score: 4.4 (2006=4.0) 1.2 The right to freedom of expression is practised and citizens, including journalists, are asserting their rights without fear. Analysis In Mali, freedom of opinion and expression is restricted by law as regards words inciting racial, national or religious hatred which are all punished by law. In practice, there have been serious threats to freedom of expression in Mali over the last two years. The media 4 Le Baromètre des Média Africains - Mali 2008