29 provided for by law, but the procedure is slow and lengthy due to lack of resources. However, during criminal hearings, a lawyer is appointed by the Court. ´ 6/ The freedom of Conscience, of Profession and of Religion: Article 8 of the Charter The freedom of conscience, of profession and of religion as enshrined in the Charter forms the group of the freedom of opinion. The Central African Republic subscribed to this particular provision by re-affirming its support for this liberty in its various Constitutions. Thus, the Constitution of the 5th February 1981, in its Article 5 stipulates: « the freedom of conscience, of assembly and the free exercise of cult are guaranteed to all, subject to the conditions established by the law ». The Constitution of the 28th November 1986 re-affirms solemnly in the preamble which stipulates: « There shall be no discrimination for reason of fortune, of membership of a race or of cult being freely exercised by any individual ». The Constitution of the 14th January 1995 stipulates in its Article 8, « the freedom of conscience, of assembly, the free exercise of cults are guaranteed to all, subject to the conditions established by the law ». The 27th December 2004 Constitution stipulates in its Article 8: « the freedom of conscience, of assembly, the free exercise of cults are guaranteed to all under the conditions established by the law. All forms of religious fundamentalism and intolerance are prohibited ». Thus, mindful of the need to give the freedom of opinion its practical meaning, the Central African Republic: - Authorized the creation of 41 Political Parties which animate the political life of the country. This liberty was concretized by the presence of 11 Candidates at the last presidential elections and close to one hundred Members of Parliament. - Allowed a full array of religions and religious denominations which practice in total freedom. ´ 7/ The freedom of the Press: Article 9 of the Charter The media, which is considered as one of the organs that animate the democratic life of the Central African Republic today occupies a very important place in the country. The Central African Constitutions of 1959 to 2004 accorded special importance to the freedom of the press. The Constitution of the 5th February 1981, in its Article 6 stipulates: « the freedom to express and disseminate one’s opinions through speech, writing or images, subject to respect for the rights of others…. is inviolable ».