The law prohibits such practices, government authorities respect these provisions, and violations are subject to effective legal sanctions. In May a former president established the country's first private newspaper, which enabled the opposition to present views divergent from those in the government-owned newspaper. An opposition attempt to operate a private radio station was blocked in 1999 when the Government closed the station and fined the owners for attempting to import broadcasting equipment without a license. Churches published newsletters and other periodicals. High costs limited the availability of foreign print media and Internet access, but there were no Government imposed limitations.
Academic freedom is respected.
The Constitution provides for freedom of assembly and association, including the right to form or belong to associations for the advancement or protection of a group's interests, and the Government does not impose any restrictions on these rights in practice. A permit is required for a public gathering, but these are granted routinely. The Constitution provides for freedom of religion, and the Government respects this right in practice. The law provides for these rights, and the Government respects them in practice. There were no reports of refugees.