SECTOR 1 1.9 The state does not seek to block or filter Internet content unless in accordance with laws that provide for restrictions that serve a legitimate interest and are necessary in a democratic society, and which are applied by independent courts. The Togolese Government does not have the technical capacity to block or filter internet content. Nonetheless, some of the panel members consider that the extremely slow internet connection that prevails, especially during election periods, indicates that the State is blocking the internet. The Consumers’ Association receives many complaints of slow internet connections but these allegations are difficult to verify. 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: 3.3 (2013 = 2.5; 2010 = 2.7) 1.10 Civil society in general and media lobby groups actively advance the cause of media freedom. Civil society considers that it is their duty to show solidarity with the media. It is not in anyone’s interest for the press to be muzzled. Because the monitoring role of the media is important for civil society. Civil society considers that if its members are still physically alive, it is thanks to the media. But, by the same token, the print media causes untold damage to civil society. Citizens sometimes have the impression, on reading the publications of certain media organisations, that, rather than defending equity and social justice, the media are just looking after their own concerns. But this does not prevent civil society from rising to the defence of the media. In April 2017, civil society took part in a public demonstration demanding the reopening of two press agencies that had been shut down by the authorities. AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER TOGO 2017 77