There are no known political prisoners. There were no known cases of arbitrary interference with privacy or correspondence. The independent newspapers freely criticize the Government, and even Al-Watwan has published commentary critical of President Taki. Residents receive broadcasts from Mayotte Radio as well as from French television without interference, but these carry only limited news about Comoros developments. Satellite antennas are popular and amateur radio licenses are issued without hindrance.
Foreign newspapers are available, as are books from abroad.
There is no university, but secondary students and teachers speak freely and criticize the Government openly. Students led many of the antigovernment demonstrations early in the year. Security forces generally showed restraint and allowed the protests, despite the fact that they disrupted transportation and commerce. Constitution does not provide for freedom of assembly and association, but the Government generally respected these rights in practice, except during the height of the crisis in Anjouan, when it banned antigovernment demonstrations. An overwhelming majority of the population is Sunni Muslim.