African Media Barometer Côte d’Ivoire 2015 Summary Freedom of expression, including press freedom, is guaranteed by the Constitution of Côte d’Ivoire. The legal regulations of the press and of audio-visual communications – both passed in 2004 – sanction this freedom of expression in the same manner as other legal and statutory instruments. However, there are certain constraints on the exercise of this right to freedom of expression. It is not uncommon for citizens and journalists who express themselves freely receive threats from either the authorities or anonymous citizens. In addition, legal clauses that impede or limit the exercise of freedom of expression exist. Article 68 of the law determining the legal framework of the press makes reference to articles 174 and 175 of the penal code as far as offences of the press are concerned. Article 73 of the same law of the press states that “the circulation of accurate information is prohibited if said information relates to secrets of state defence and state security; or relates to attacks on the national economy”. In 2012, some journalists spent three weeks in “preventative” detention for republishing an article by La Lettre du Continent. The count of indictment: felony of threatening the national economy. The law still permits a judge to imprison an individual for press offences or offences committed by way of the press. The Government of Côte d’Ivoire has signed and ratified a number of regional and international instruments related to freedom of expression. At times, these treaties have been signed and ratified under pressure from donors. The implementation of these tools/instruments, however, is generally non-existent, or partial at best. Concerning the establishment of print media houses, the rule of declaration is the principle in Côte d’Ivoire. However, apart from the declaration at the State Prosecutor’s office, a publication company requires a minimum capital of 5 million FCFA (USD 8.547) before initiating the appropriate steps with the Office of the Prosecutor, which delivers the receipt of publication. No prior authorisation is required for creating websites or blogs. The Ivorian State does not seek to block or filter Internet content, but the general public feel that the State should institute Internet regulation in order to limit abuse online. The law protects confidential sources of information. Article 24 of the law of 2004 regulating the press stipulates: “Apart from cases where the law obligates the journalist, he/she is not held to reveal his/her sources of information”. 62 AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER Côte d’Ivoire 2016