Press freedom in Equatorial Guinea

27.2.2015

Question for written answer E-003163-15
to the Commission
Rule 130
Marlene Mizzi (S&D)

According to the Human Rights Watch World Report 2015, Equatorial Guinea has long had a poor record on press freedom. Local journalists are unable to criticise the government or address issues the authorities disapprove of without fear of censorship or reprisals. Only a few private media outlets exist in the country, and they are generally owned by people close to President Obiang; self-censorship is common. Foreign news is available to the small minority with access to satellite broadcasts and the Internet; others have access only to limited foreign radio programming.

What steps do the EU representatives intend to take in order to ensure that the Government of Equatorial Guinea respects the right to freedom of expression in the country?