People in Comoros have the constitutional right to gather peacefully in public. This right is exercised frequently, but sometimes leads to clashes with police. A ‘dead island’ protest against power cuts and water shortages in February 2015 descended into violence, and seven were injured during clashes between security forces and demonstrators at Mitsoudjé, near the Capital Moroni. Police arrested the leader of the protest, Said Mohamed Mchangama, for inciting hatred but he was later released without charge. Demonstrators again took to the streets in March 2016 in opposition to rumours of attempted mercenary interference in the affairs of the state. This protest was also dispersed by the security forces.

Comorians right to freely express their ideas and opinions is protected in the preamble to the constitution. In practice, a wide range of views are expressed without incident. Reporting on certain issues, including corruption and the affairs of the government, can however result in this right being curtailed. In 2013 for instance, a government minister seized all copies of a national newspaper supplement discussing public sector corruption and suspended the newspaper’s editor. The threat of criminal defamation charges is also a problem for journalists in Comoros, who frequently self-censor as a result. With just 7% of people online in 2014, the Internet and social media are still developing media in Comoros, although access is unrestricted and content uncensored. Public canvassing for religions other than Islam is not permitted and foreigners who do so face deportation.