Mali pseudonyms prior to the publication of their articles. Individual scores: 4, 2, 2, 2, 5, 5, 2, 2, 3, 2. Average score: 2.9 (2006=2.6) 1.6 Public information is easily accessible, guaranteed by law, to all citizens, including journalists. Analysis Act 98-012 of 19 January 1998 on relations between the administration and public service users limits the categories of accessible information. Non-normative administrative records such as files, reports, studies, statistical data, directives, circulars that include an interpretation of positive law are freely accessible. However, the red tape involved in accessing these records tends to be an uphill struggle. Individual scores: 4, 2, 2, 2, 2, 4, 3, 2, 2, 2. Average score: 2.5 (2006=4.9) 1.7 Civil society in general and media lobby groups actively advance the cause of media freedom. Analysis When Malian journalists appear before a court, lawyers generally volunteer to defend the interests of the accused. This is generally due to media pressure on other groups; each time a journalist is brought before a court of law, victim of violence or of any other act, colleagues demonstrate their solidarity. Support from civil society is very limited as members of certain organisations feel that the media believes itself to be above all laws. Le Baromètre des Média Africains - Mali 2008 7