Tanzania AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER TANZANIA 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: Free expression of ideas and views, including opinions and the right to information is embodied under Article 18 of the Constitution of the United Republic of Tanzania, 1977 (as amended) which states that every citizen has a right to: 1. freedom of expression and of opinion 2. seek, receive and impart information without regard to national boundaries 3. communicate and the right to non-interference of that communication 4. be informed at anytime on important happenings that are of importance to the life and wellbeing of citizens and about important issues of concern to the society. Between 2006 and 2008, there has been no change in laws or new ones enacted to protect people’s right to freedom of expression and of the media as guaranteed by law. However, there has been quite a lot of debate on the Government’s proposals on the Freedom of Information Bill and the Media Services Bill 2007, by various stakeholders throughout the country. The Constitutional amendments of 2005 removed all claw back clauses in the Constitution, but the retention of Article 17 and 30 invalidates the guarantees provided under Article 18. The panellists conceded that despite the existence of oppressive laws that hinder freedom of expression and of the media, the media African Media Barometer - Tanzania 2008 3