Freedom of Expression and Media Rights in Guinea
Freedom of expression, press freedom, and media rights play a crucial role in whistleblowing. These fundamental rights enable whistleblowers and journalists to disclose sensitive information safely, shed light on wrongdoing, and protect the public interest.
Legislation on Freedom of the Press and Media Rights
The Constitution guarantees and protects freedom of the press, allowing citizens to believe, think, and profess their opinions freely, and express them through words, writing, and images.
- Freedom of the press is “guaranteed and protected”
- Citizens are “free to believe, think, and profess their religious faith, political, and philosophical opinions”
- “To express, manifest, and disseminate their ideas and opinions through words, in writing, and through images”
The High Authority for Communication
The High Authority for Communication is a regulatory body that ensures transparency and media plurality. Its mission is to “ensure respect for the right of access to public information”.
- Regulatory body for the production and dissemination of content by the media
- Ensures transparency and media plurality
- Mission: “Ensure respect for the right of access to public information”
Restrictions on Press Freedom
However, press freedom can be restricted in certain circumstances. Under the press freedom law, the preservation of public order and national unity may justify restrictions on this right.
- “The preservation of public order and the requirements of national unity” may justify restrictions on press freedom
- Article 1 of the press freedom law
Penalties for Defamation
In cases of defamation, the press freedom law imposes heavy fines. Repeat offenders may face suspension of their publication or broadcasting license.
- No custodial sentences for defamation
- Heavy fines for defamation (Articles 108, 109, 110)
- Suspension of publication or broadcasting license for repeat offenders (Article 111)
Penal Code
The Penal Code provides for prison sentences and fines for defamation committed against public administrations, bodies, the army, courts, and tribunals.
- Prison sentence: 1 month to 1 year
- Fine: 500,000 to 1,000,000 Guinean francs or one of these two penalties only (Article …)
- Defamation committed against public administrations, bodies, the army, courts, and tribunals through speeches, cries, threats, uttered in public places or meetings.