Background Briefing

Unfinished Democracy: Media and Political Freedoms in Angola

A Human Rights Watch Report, July 14, 2004    (Printer Friendly PDF)

I. SUMMARY

II. RECOMMENDATIONS

To The Government of Angola

To Angolan Journalists’ Associations

To Foreign Governments and Intergovernmental Organizations

III. BACKGROUND

Times of War

The Situation Today

IV. INTERNATIONAL AND ANGOLAN LAW ON FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION AND ASSOCIATION

International Legal Standards on Freedom of Expression and Assembly

Angolan Legislation

Need for Reform of Angolan Laws

V. VIOLATIONS OF THE RIGHT TO FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION

Arbitrary Imprisonment, Violence, and Threats against Journalists

Misuse of Defamation Laws

Restrictions on Private Radio

Access to Official Information and State Owned Media

Obstacles to Distribution of Private Newspapers

Artistic Expression

VI. VIOLATIONS OF THE RIGHT TO FREEDOM OF ASSOCIATION

Threats and Attacks against Activists

Registration Requirements as a Means of Limiting Freedom of Association

VII. VIOLATIONS OF THE RIGHT TO PEACEFUL ASSEMBLY

VIII. CONCLUSION

VI. ACKNOWLEDGMENTS