restrictions on the right to liberty that are reasonably justified and are neither necessary nor proportionate; 143. The Defendant State has not made any pronouncements on this aspect.  144. The Principle 1 of the Declaration of Principles of Freedom of Expression and Access to Information in Africa18, cited above, reiterates the importance of the right to freedom of expression and access to information as fundamental rights protected by the African Charter and other human rights instruments, and underlines the importance of respecting, protecting and promoting these rights as crucial and indispensable for the free development of the human person, the creation and strengthening of democratic societies and to allow the exercise of other rights. 145. The Principle 1 paragraph 2 imposes on States Parties the obligation to: “create an enabling environment for the exercise of freedom of expression and access to information, including by ensuring protection against acts or omissions of non-State actors that curtail the enjoyment of freedom of expression and access to information.” 146. The Principle 5 enshrines the protection of the right to freedom of expression and access to information online, stating that: “The exercise of the rights to freedom of expression and access to information shall be protected from interference both online and offline, and States shall interpret and implement the protection of these rights in this Declaration and other relevant international standards accordingly.” 147. Furthermore, Principle 6 extends the protections granted in this Declaration to journalists and other media professionals, to every human rights defender and any other individual or group who exercises their rights to freedom of expression and access to information by any means. 18 Adopted by the African Commission at its 65th Ordinary Session, held from 21 October to 10 November 2019 in Banjul, Gambia. 34