Tens of thousands of refugees have poured into neighboring countries such as the Democratic Republic of Congo and Gabon. Scarce resources and understaffing create a backlog of court cases and long periods of pretrial detention in extremely harsh prison conditions. The three-tier formal court system of local courts, courts of appeal, and the supreme court was generally considered to be politically independent until the civil war. In rural areas, traditional courts retain broad jurisdiction, especially in civil matters. In September 1999 authorities set up two military tribunals to try soldiers accused of committing atrocities.
Freedom of expression is limited.
The government monopoly over electronic media is complete except for a radio station operated by political allies of Sassou-Nguesso. However, broadcasts from neighboring countries are widely heard. A July 1996 law imposed registration requirements and severe penalties for slander and defamation. A 1995 law also provides stronger penalties for defamation of senior officials, requires media to show loyalty to the government, and permits seizure of private printing works during emergencies. There is extensive self-censorship.