SECTOR 1 Freedom of expression, including freedom of the media, is effectively protected and promoted. 1.1 Freedom of expression, including freedom of the media, is guaranteed in the constitution and protected by other pieces of legislation. Sections 14.1 and 14.2 of Lesotho’s Constitution state that everyone has a right to express themselves, and to obtain and impart information. Section 14 of the Constitution of Lesotho states that: “(1) Every person shall be entitled to, and (except with his own consent) shall not be hindered in his enjoyment of freedom of expression, including freedom to hold opinions without interference, freedom to receive ideas and information without interference, freedom to communicate ideas and information without interference (whether the communication be to the public generally or to any person or class of persons) and freedom from interference with his correspondence.” The Constitution also ensures the right of people to respond through the same media if they feel aggrieved “by statements or ideas disseminated to the public in general by a medium of communication.” These rights are guaranteed as long as they do not interfere with defence, public safety, public order, public morality or public health. The Constitution does not mention media freedom explicitly, and panellists felt that freedom of media is seen as separate from freedom of expression in Lesotho, which makes it difficult for the media to use Section 14 in its defence. The country’s draft media policy notes the need to review a number of laws, including the Constitution of the country. However, ratification of this policy has stalled (see discussion on indicator 1.12), as the Minister of Science, Technology and Communication felt the policy will take away a lot of power from government. “Government is so afraid to let go of the power that it has always had over the media. Therefore the media policy is likely to remain a draft policy for many years to come.” 10 AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER LESOTHO 2010