The government may ban any gathering that threatens national unity. Registration requirements seem insignificant obstacles to political party formation, and at least 46 have been recognized. Several leaders and activists of the UNR were jailed in June after police clashed with protesters. Various groups promoted civic education projects, although such efforts seem to have little impact on those in power. Constitutionally protected religious rights are respected in practice, although the main body representing the country s Muslims, who comprise over 80percent of the population, is government controlled.
Christian missionaries operate freely.
The government has wide powers to bar any communications that insult the president or, in its opinion, disturb the peace. All broadcasting as well as the country s largest and only daily newspaper are state-controlled, and offer little coverage of the opposition and scant criticism of government policy. The print media has little impact in rural areas where incomes are low and illiteracy high. Several weekly newspapers in the capital, Conakry, offer sharp criticism of the government despite frequent harassment. A restrictive press law allows the government to censor or shutter publications on broad and ill-defined bases.