Status: Free
Legal Environment: 6
Political Influences: 10
Economic Pressures: 7
Total Score: 23
Population: n/a
GNI/capita: n/a
Life Expectancy: 46
Religious Groups: n/a
Ethnic Groups: Mande (50 percent), Peul (17 percent), Voltaic (12 percent), Tuareg and Moor (10 percent), Songhai (6 percent), other (5 percent)
Capital: Bamako
Though Mali's news media are among the freest in Africa, the government occasionally arrests journalists for criminal defamation. Legislation in 2000 provided for reduced penalties for libel. In May, however, the head of the country's public television station was sentenced to one month in prison for a comment on corruption. At least 100 independent newspapers operate freely, and across the country more than 120 independent radio stations, including community stations, broadcast in regional languages. The government operates one television station and many radio stations, but all carry diverse views, including those critical of the government.
Disclaimer: © Freedom House, Inc. · All Rights Reserved
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.