Constitutional guarantees of freedom of expression are respected in practice. Most broadcast media are state-owned, but allow opposition and other reports critical of the government. The High Authority for Audiovisual Media and Communications' notification of programming requirement is not enforced. Independent radio and television stations began operating in 1997 under a liberalized broadcasting law, but steep license fees are likely to keep community radio and television stations off the air. An independent and pluralistic print media that include nine party-affiliated and other dailies publish articles highly critical of both government and opposition leaders and policies.
Foreign periodicals are readily available.
Harsh libel laws, however, have been used against journalists. In August, media workers launched a strike to protest the arrest and beating of a reporter. Numerous NGOs operate without governmental hindrance. Freedom of assembly and association are respected, and requirements for permits and registration are often ignored. Religious freedom is respected.