being implemented on their behalf, and accelerate social economic development. 43. Journalists and the public under article 3 of the aforementioned law have the ground to demand access to information possessed by public organs and some private bodies hence promoting publication and dissemination of information. Article 16 of this law, sets out to protect any person who in the interest of the public discloses information he/she is normally not supposed to disclose if people who were supposed to disclose such information fail to do so within the time. 44. It is an offence for any person who has the obligation to provide information but delays to give it without legal justification, or who knowingly gives incorrect, incomplete or misleading information.5 If convicted of any of the acts mentioned, a person shall be liable to a term of imprisonment of one (1) month but less than six (6) months and a fine of two hundred thousand (200, 000) to one million (1,000,000) Rwandan Francs or one of these penalties.6 Access to information is further supported by Law n°02/2013 of 08/02/2013 regulating media which determines rights, obligations, organization and functioning of media in Rwanda. This law establishes Media Self Regulatory Body which is an organ set up by journalists themselves and responsibility of ensuring compliance with the principles governing media and to defend general interest. 45. Thus, freedom of the media and freedom to receive information are recognized and provided law. Every journalist has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes the right to seek, receive, give and broadcast information and ideas through any media.7 In Rwanda, there is an active interaction between journalists and government leaders; regular collaboration between journalists and security forces such as policemen is maintained in regular meetings. Such collaborative mechanisms have facilitated access to information for journalists and citizens in general. Access to information law is seen as an entry point to improve journalists’ participation into political affairs. Article 590 of Organic Law No 01/2012/OL of 02/05/2012 instituting the penal code Op.Cit, art. 591 7 Article 8 of the law n°02/2013 of 08/02/2013 regulating media in Rwanda. 5 6 Page 19 of 105