SECTOR 1 are also cultural limitations, as in the Adjigo community, where a certain type of free expression is restricted. 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: 2.9 (2013 = 2.4, 2010 = 2.4) 1.3 There are no laws or parts of laws restricting freedom of expression such as excessive official secrets, libel acts, legal requirements that restrict the entry into the journalistic profession or laws that unreasonably interfere with the functions of media. Although journalists are not sent to prison for offences committed in the exercise of their profession, they may be convicted and fined by a magistrate. This fact is confirmed by a panellist who recalls a case brought before the court against a press agency. But no custodial sentence was pronounced by the judge. The press agency was sentenced to pay damages amounting to CFA francs 200 million (USD 360,310). Generally speaking, damage awards are disproportionately high. For instance, one press agency was sentenced to pay CFA francs 800 million (USD 1,445,608). Hence, a panel member referring to Article 497 of the new Criminal Code, says that the magistrate ruling on press offences, becomes a kind of superman, who keeps journalists awake at night. This Article imposes a fine of between CFA francs 500,000 and 2 million (USD 900 to 3,600) and a prison sentence of between 6 months and 2 years for broadcasting or publishing mendacious reports. Another panellist, speaking in defence of the Article, asserts that the media should not publish false information. Panel members noted that international legislation imposes certain restrictions on freedom of expression, which are not excessive. However, the fundamental debate is really centred on the provisions of Article 497 of the new Criminal Code AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER TOGO 2017 71