Zimbabwe “culture of self-censorship” is described as widespread and pathetic. Lecturers are often afraid to include certain contentious topics in their course outlines or comment on them in public. Equally, students no longer freely debate issues without fear. People are only able to talk freely as long as they say what the authorities want to hear. Most issues in Zimbabwe are seen as political and have political meanings and connotations ascribed to them resulting in fear to fully assert one’s right to freedom of expression. Every issue in Zimbabwe is seen as being a political issue with a political meaning. SCORES: Individual scores: 2, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1 Average score: 1.1 1.3 There are no laws restricting freedom of expression such as excessive official secrets or libel Acts, or laws that unreasonably interfere with the responsibilities of media. ANALYSIS: There are laws that take away the little freedom of expression that the constitution allows. These are, among many others, the Official Secrets Act, POSA, BSA and AIPPA. POSA, for example, makes it a criminal offence to publish or communicate “false statements prejudicial to the state”. A person may be fined or imprisoned for up to five years for publishing a “false” statement likely to incite public disorder, affect the defence and economic interests of the country, or undermine public confidence in the police, armed forces or prison officers. Section 16 makes it an offence to make a public statement with the intention of, or knowing that there is a risk of “undermining the authority of or African Media Barometer - Zimbabwe 2006 7