SECTOR 1 Scores: Individual scores: 1 Country does not meet indicator 2 Country meets only a few aspects of indicator 3 Country meets some aspects of indicator 4 Country meets most aspects of indicator. 5 Country meets all aspects of the indicator Average score: 3.8 (2005: n/a; 2007: n/a; 2009: 4.4) 1.6 Entry into and practice of the journalistic profession is legally unrestricted. According to Article 21.1 (j) of the Constitution, it is the right of each citizen to practice his or her profession. Although it is not a legal requirement or a prerequisite to work professionally, journalists can apply for a media card from the MICT. There is, however, a requirement for journalists to obtain this accreditation for covering events at State House. Journalists apply for this through the MICT, which liaises with the Office of the President. It is a straightforward application which requires a journalist to fill out a form signed by the editor and submitted to the MICT along with a photograph. There are no cases of journalists being denied this accreditation and is regarded as a security measure for official government events. Not everyone agreed, and some noted that while people might not be restricted by law, they are restricted in practice. “We had a human rights monitor beaten up and his camera smashed by the police because he did not have a media card.” 18 AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER NAMIBIA 2011