From News 24

Lawmakers in Benin have approved a new law for the media in a first for the tiny west African nation after recent concern about freedom of expression.

The new law approved in parliament on Thursday removes custodial sentences for offences deemed offensive against the head of state, and regulates access to news sources.

“It’s the crowning achievement of more than 10 years’ battle,” said Franck Kpotcheme, president of the Benin media professionals union (UPMB), calling the decision “clear-sighted”.

Benin was ranked 75th out of 180 countries worldwide in the 2014 Reporters Without Borders index and 16th among African countries.

Read more at News 24