Censorship was officially lifted on 19 February 1989. The media is now free to raise subjects of its choice and to publish the results of its investigations, even regarding matters of state management. The daily La Gazette de la Grande Ile has only recently revealed the exorbitant amount of extra-budgetary spending by the state. However, the reaction came without delay: the editor and authors responsible for the story were summoned to the offices of the national police (gendarmerie) for interrogation. The main concern of the authorities in such cases is to identify the source of information. If stories are well researched and watertight, the media will not be subjected to direct attack by the powers that be, but they can not escape multiple pressure on sensitive issues. . Acts of intimidation and harassment are not uncommon. Journalists use their rights with a degree of fear. The daunting prospect of repression exercised by the authorities, often damaging and vicious, hangs over the entire media like the proverbial sword of Damocles. Newspapers may be subjected to fiscal controls and having their financial records inspected in detail should they take the risk to publish unfavourable information on the regime. Potential advertisers may be discouraged from placing ads in these media. For example, the powers that be did not appreciate the appeal launched by the president of the Association of Private Radio Journalists (Association des Journalistes des radios privées AJRP)) for the re-opening of three radio stations in the Toamasina province which had been hit by a closing measure. His station had to suspend him from his job under pressure from the authorities. Censorship manifests itself in the audio-visual media, particularly in the area of political reporting. Those who dare go against directives are evicted from their stations. The same applies in the public broadcaster. During the funeral of Pope John Paul II, the national television (TVM), within the framework of a special broadcast, did not get authorisation to show archive footage of the visit of the head of the Catholic church to Madagascar in which the former State President appeared. Political reports, especially those regarding the opposition, have also been scrutinised by those in charge. Journalists who disobeyed directives were dismissed. Harassment as well as the very real threat of lawsuits impact on freedom of expression, in particular that of journalists. Defamation of institutions is punishable by 1 to 3 years of imprisonment. Even though the judge may determine the duration of a jail term, infiltration of the judiciary by the executive gives rise to fear. Other entities such as customary authorities or religious bodies have a low tolerance for the investigative spirit of the media and are quick to translate such sensitivity into legal action should journalists cast an eye on them or their activities in what they regard as too indiscreet or too critical a fashion. The Church of Jesus Christ in Madagascar (l’Eglise de Jésus Christ à Madagascar (FJKM)) has imposed statutory obligations on its members not to give out unauthorised information, threatening expulsion for those who violate this rule. Journalists are also exposed to community reprisals going as far as banishment, should their reporting on customary authorities touch on too sensitive matters. 25