1.4 Entry into and practice of the journalistic profession is legally unrestricted.

ANALYSIS:
The statute of journalists imposes certain conditions for someone wishing to
practise as a journalist. Candidates to the profession must have a degree or a
School Leaving Certificate. But the only restrictions imposed in order to become
a journalist are only meant to safeguard high levels of professionalism.
SCORES:
Individual scores:

4, 5, 4 5, 3, 5, 5, 5, 5

Average score:

4.5

1.5 Protection of confidential sources of information is guaranteed by law.

ANALYSIS:
The law states that in defamation cases, where the source cannot be identified,
the editor is criminally answerable. Editors are required to protect their sources
of information. Otherwise they risk becoming untrustworthy. Section 59 of the
Constitution of the Republic of Cape Verde provides for the right of media
organizations and professionals to protect their sources of information, even
when in court. Such protection is also guaranteed in Section 16 of the Media
Law.
SCORES:
Individual scores:

5, 5, 4, 5, 5, 5, 5, 5, 5

Average score:

4.9

1.6

Public information is easily accessible, guaranteed by law, to all citizens
including journalists.

ANALYSIS:
It is not easy to access public information. Public servants often do not see
themselves as being there to serve the people. Very often, people themselves
regard the services that are provided to them by public servants as a favour,
and not as an obligation on the part of those who work for public institutions.
The civil service in Cape Verde is highly bureaucratic, and civil servants often
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