Tanzania AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER TANZANIA Sector 1: Freedom of expression, including freedom of the media, are effectively protected and promoted 1.1. Freedom of expression, including freedom of the media, is guaranteed in the constitution and protected by other pieces of legislation. ANALYSIS: Article 18 of The Constitution of The United Republic of Tanzania grants to the people the freedom of expression and the right to be informed. Sub Article (1) states that “every person has the right to freedom of opinion and expression, and to seek, receive and impart or disseminate information and ideas through any media regardless of national frontiers and also has the right of freedom from interference with his communications”. Sub Article (1A) goes on to say “This right shall include (a) freedom of the press and all other media (b) freedom of artistic creativity, and (c) academic freedom and freedom of scientific research.” However there are certain exceptions. The rights and freedoms are restricted, for example, in relation to national security, to protect the rights of other people, to protect the freedom of civil servants to perform their duties and where public order is threatened. There was consensus that Articles 17 and 30 of the constitution do not comply with the principle of freedom of expression. Other restrictive pieces of legislation are the Newspaper Act No.3 of 1976 and the Broadcasting Act No.6 of 1993. The majority was of the view that the exemptions are so broad that they do not serve a legitimate interest and can not be deemed to be necessary in a democratic society. The same also goes for the other part of the Union (Zanzibar) whose Newspaper’s and Broadcasting Acts are equally restrictive of freedom of expression. African Media Barometer - Tanzania 2006 3