89. Government has had recently to strengthen legislation to offer additional protection to
citizens, from the dangers of new means of communications through the internet, electronic
devices and on social media.
90.
A working draft of the Freedom of Information Bill is currently under examination.
91. The courts in Mauritius as well as the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council have also
balanced the freedom of the press with other freedoms provided in the Constitution. Of particular
relevance are the cases of Soornack Nandanee v Le Mauricien Ltd & Ors (2013) SCJ 5 and Gilbert
Ahnee & Ors v The Director of Public Prosecutions (Privy Council) (1999) MR 2008.
92. The Independent Broadcasting Authority Act establishes the Independent Broadcasting
Authority which, inter alia, promotes the provision of a diverse range of radio and television
broadcasting services throughout Mauritius. It also deals with the licensing of new radio and TV
channels and the devising parameters and criteria for the authorisation of new channels, including
guidelines to programmes, safeguards against indecency and sanctioning non-conformity with
established standards.
93. The Independent Broadcasting Authority has granted a license to operate to two new private
radios in 2019.
94. The Criminal Code makes provision for offences pertaining to racial discrimination on
grounds of race or creed. The law has been amended in 2018 to prohibit hate speech by electronic
means and to increase the penalties applicable thereto. Racial discrimination and hate speech are
not tolerated in Mauritius. Government is committed to ensuring that no one threatens the racial
harmony prevailing in Mauritius. The Constitution, which is the supreme law of the country,
prohibits discrimination and advocates equality for all. It also provides that no law shall be
discriminatory either in itself or in its effect.
95. A Citizen Support Portal was set up, in January 2017 to better address the complaints of
citizens who can track their query or complaint on the database at any point in time. The idea is to
bring the Government closer to the people using technology. Since April 2019, a harmonised and
transparent complaints Management System is operational on a 24/7 basis where citizens can
register complaints online through a unique reference number. Citizens can register, transmit,
monitor and track the complaint. As a necessary corollary to the Citizen Support Portal,
Government has also installed 350 Free Wi-Fi hotspots across Mauritius so as to enhance
connectivity. More Free Wi Fi hotspots are in the process of being installed throughout the island.
96.
The proceedings of the National Assembly are broadcasted live since 2017.
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