Signed into law on December 23, 1991 by President Lassana Conte,
Guinea's Press Code stipulates that freedom of expression can
only be restricted by the necessity to respect human dignity,
maintain public order, and safeguard national security. Under
Article 14, three copies of each edition of every newspaper must
be submitted to the competent legal, administrative, and
judiciary authorities four hours before distribution. Failure to
submit copies within the prescribed time frame is punishable by
a US$500 fine. Journalists found guilty of crimes against state
security, or complicity with the enemy in times of war, can be
jailed for up to five years. Under Article 26, publishers face
sedition charges if they fail to disclose the production and
distribution schedule of their newspapers to the authorities at
the start of every electoral campaign. Journalists accused of
defamation during an election period must respond to court
summonses within 24 hours. At other times, they have up to two
weeks to comply. Furthe