Freedom of the Press - Mauritius (2005)

Status: Free
Legal Environment: 6
Political Influences: 9
Economic Pressures: 13
Total Score: 28

Population: n/a
GNI/capita: n/a
Life Expectancy: 72
Religious Groups: Hindu (52 percent), Roman Catholic (26 percent), Protestant (2.3 percent), Muslim (16.6 percent), other (3.1 percent)
Ethnic Groups: Indo-Mauritian (68 percent), Creole (27 percent), Sino-Mauritian (3 percent), Franco-Mauritian (2 percent)
Capital: Port Louis

Press freedom is guaranteed by the constitution and is generally respected. Strict libel laws exist but have not been used by the government to inhibit the media, though private libel suits are common. Several private daily and weekly publications regularly criticize both government and opposition politicians and their policies. Banned until 2001, a small number of private radio stations have been authorized to operate by the Independent Broadcasting Authority (IBA); however, television is still monopolized by the government. In August, Prime Minister Paul Berenger established a "special committee" to review the powers of the IBA after accusing private radio stations of "irresponsible" broadcasting. In March, Berenger threatened to ban live debates on private radio. Several international broadcast news stations are available to the public by subscription.