Although independent newspapers are distributed in many parts of the country, it remains difficult for those who want to read them to do so. In some of the provinces Human Rights Watch visited, a number of people reported that they furtively read independent newspapers because of threats and harassment from ZANU PF youth and war veterans.144 They described incidents from past elections in 2000 and 2002 that made them wary of openly reading independent newspapers. Even ruling party supporters felt intimidated. One ZANU PF supporter in Mutoko told Human Rights Watch that since fellow ZANU PF supporters had questioned him for carrying a copy of the Daily News in 2002 he had stopped reading independent newspapers.145 MDC supporters in Rusape informed Human Rights Watch that they were forced to hide their copies of the Independent newspaper inside copies of the state-owned Herald newspaper.146 Such intimidation makes it difficult for Zimbabweans to receive a balanced and informed view point on election conditions in the country. Some of Zimbabwe’s National Laws: Key Concerns The Public Order and Security Act (POSA) POSA was enacted in January 2002. It introduces a range of criminal offences, including criticism of the President, whether his person or his office; the publication of a false statement that prejudices or is intended to prejudice the country’s defense or economic interests, or which undermines or is intended to undermine public confidence in a law enforcement agency, and the holding of a public gathering without giving the police four days’ written notice. Key sections Section 15 makes it an offence punishable by up to five years imprisonment to publish or communicate false statements prejudicial to the state including undermining public confidence in a law enforcement agency, the prison services or the defense forces of Zimbabwe. Section 16 makes it an offence punishable by up to one year imprisonment to undermine the authority of or insult the president including making any false statements about or 144 Human Rights Watch interviews with residents in Murehwa, Mutoko and Rusape, December 2004 and February 2005. 145 Human Rights Watch interview, Mutoko, February 14, 2005. 146 Human Rights Watch interview, Rusape, December 18, 2004. 31