The stifling of independent media through a mixture of sanctions against media outlets and legal threats against journalists has created an atmosphere of intimidation, self-censorship and fear of expressing alternative views about the countrys leaders.
Kuzuia vyombo vya habari binafsi  kupitia vikwazo mbalimbali dhidi ya vyombo vya habari na vitisho vya kisheria dhidi ya waandishi wa habari imejenga mazingira ya vitisho, udhibiti binafsi na woga wa kueleza habari mbalimbali kuhusu viongozi wa nchi.