Freedom of the Press - Guinea (2003)
| Publisher | Freedom House |
| Publication Date | 30 April 2003 |
| Cite as | Freedom House, Freedom of the Press - Guinea (2003), 30 April 2003, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/473450b4c.html [accessed 29 May 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
Status: Not Free
Legal Environment: 25
Political Influences: 30
Economic Pressures: 19
Total Score: 74
Population: n/a
GNI/capita: n/a
Life Expectancy: 48
Religious Groups: Muslim (85 percent), Christian (8 percent), indigenous beliefs (7 percent)
Ethnic Groups: Peuhl (40 percent), Malinke (30 percent), Soussou (20 percent), other (10 percent)
Capital: Conakry
Despite a constitutional provision for freedom of expression, the press is subject to a considerable number of legal restrictions. The government has wide powers to bar any communications that insult the president or disturb the peace. In addition, defamation and slander are considered criminal offenses. In 2001, two journalists were imprisoned after being charged with defamation. All broadcasting outlets, as well as the country's only daily newspaper, are state-controlled and avoid politically sensitive stories. However, a number of independent publications in Conakry, the capital, offer sharp criticism of the government despite frequent harassment. Several journalists were arbitrarily arrested during the year as a result of their reporting. High printing costs hamper the expansion of the private media.
