The Government continued efforts to improve its human rights record, but significant problems remain. These include police and security force abuse and beating of prisoners and detainees, forced confessions, inhumane prison conditions, deaths in custody, judicial corruption, denial of fair and expeditious trials, and arbitrary interference with privacy and home. Some press freedoms are constrained, the judiciary is subject to executive pressure, and discrimination against women is a problem. There is, however, a growing awareness on the part of the people of their individual rights. The Parliament is more active and reformist than its predecessor.
Independent newspapers show a greater willingness to criticize government policies.
The Constitution and the 1991 press law provide for freedom of the press, but the Government constrains some press freedoms. Security and law enforcement authorities attempted to intimidate the press through public comments and private meetings. Numerous independent newspapers operate and the press increasingly serves as a check on government, frequently criticizing the performance of high-level officials. However, no independent newspapers have a national audience and most citizens get their news from television. The Government finances and controls two newspapers and a radio and television network, which have a national audience and reflect official viewpoints.