Tanzania SCORES: Individual scores: 1, 2, 2, 2, 3, 3, 2, 2, 2, 2 Average score: 2.1 1.3 There are no laws restricting freedom of expression such as excessive official secret or libel acts, or laws that unreasonably interfere with the responsibilities of media. ANALYSIS: It was noted that there are a lot of legal and administrative restrictions to freedom of expression that infringe on media responsibilities. There is also arrogance towards the media within the Tanzania Civil Service. And while the freedom to receive information is constitutionally guaranteed there is no freedom to seek information. For example, in terms of the Public Service Act, public officers are prohibited from releasing public information. The National Security Act restricts retrieval of information by labelling some of it classified etc. Currently there are about 40 libel cases against media houses and media personnel pending before the courts. One journalist was jailed some years back in the southern Tanzania town of Songea after allegedly committing an act of libel. This case was brought by a top regional political figure. All newspaper operators have to go through government registration processes and meet certain conditions. These include: Registration at ministerial and Library services levels; producing annual financial accounts; minister may require publisher to execute and register bond; accreditation of journalists etc. All these requirements are laid down in the Newspaper Act No. 3 of 1976. There have been deregistrations of newspapers for certain periods 6 African Media Barometer - Tanzania 2006