FOTP 2013 Full Report

interview with Jean-Marie Runiga, an M23 leader. In addition to governmental restrictions onpress freedom, the emergence of the M23 rebel group has accelerated the deterioration of themedia environment in the region. At least three journalists went into hiding between August andSeptember after being threatened for their critical reporting by the M23. The M23 also claimedresponsibility for attacks on Radio Solidarité in December.Among other violent incidents, in March masked arsonists set fire to the antenna of RadioTélévision Kindu Maniema (RTKM) in east central Maniema province. The station was knownto be critical of the provincial governor, who had previously demanded that it cease its call-inbroadcasts. One of the RTKM’s hosts went into hiding for fear that he would be arrested. In theeastern city of Goma, radio host Tuver Wundi reported receiving multiple death threats inMarch; his home had been attacked by armed men in January.Given low literacy rates and deep poverty, the population of the DRC relies largely onradio broadcasts to receive news reports. Many private newspapers are nevertheless published,particularly in Kinshasa, and although they are not always objective, they are often highly criticalof the government. There are several hundred privately owned radio and television stations, inaddition to three state-owned radio stations and a state-owned television station. The statebroadcasters reportedly favor Kabila’s party, though other political parties represented in thegovernment are occasionally given airtime. The only nationwide independent radio network,Radio Okapi, has set new standards for reporting and media objectivity in a volatile politicalenvironment. Most media outlets are reportedly owned by public figures and businessmen, andare used for political propaganda rather than objective reporting. Journalists at major outlets areusually poorly paid and lack sufficient training, leaving them vulnerable to bribery and politicalmanipulation.While internet access has spread in urban areas thanks to the proliferation of private, affordableinternet cafés, only about 1.7 percent of the population accessed the internet in 2012. Thegovernment does not restrict access to the internet or monitor its content.Costa RicaStatus: FreeLegal Environment: 5Political Environment: 7Economic Environment: 6Total Score: 18Survey Edition 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012Total Score, Status 19,F 19,F 19,F 18,F 19,FCosta Rica continues to enjoy a vibrant free press backed by strong legal and politicalinstitutions. However, an information crimes law promulgated in November 2012 sparkedwidespread concern by imposing jail terms on any person convicted of publishing “secretpolitical information.” The Supreme Court subsequently suspended the relevant article of the lawpending constitutional review.The constitution guarantees press freedom, and this right is generally upheld. However,punitive press laws, particularly concerning defamation, are occasionally used to restrict the133