Global press freedom hits record low after 25-year decline

Reporters Without Borders Publishes World Press Freedom Index, Revealing Global Decline in Journalism Freedom

A report by the Paris-based non-governmental organization Reporters Sans Frontieres (RSF) has found that freedom of the press worldwide has reached its lowest level in a quarter of a century. The RSF publishes an annual World Press Freedom Index to compare the level of freedom enjoyed by journalists and media outlets in 180 countries.

According to the index, more than half of the world’s countries are classified as “difficult” or “very serious” for press freedom, indicating a trend towards criminalization of journalism. Only seven mostly Nordic countries have been ranked with “good” press freedom, with Norway, the Netherlands, and Estonia among the top three.

The RSF report highlights the impact of recent events on press freedom. The United States has fallen seven places since President Donald Trump took office, ranking 64th with a “problematic” score. France ranks 25th, while Argentina and El Salvador have experienced significant declines in press freedom.

The report notes that Eastern Europe and the Middle East are the most dangerous regions for journalists, citing Russia and Iran as examples of countries with low press freedom scores. The RSF attributes the decline in press freedom to wars, restrictions on access to information, and attacks on journalists.

According to the report, more than 220 journalists have been killed in Gaza by the Israeli army since October 2023, including at least 70 who were slain while carrying out their work. The RSF reports that over 60% of countries have criminalized media workers in various ways, with India, Egypt, Georgia, Turkey, and Hong Kong being cited as examples.

The report’s Editorial Director, Anne Bocande, has called on democratic governments and citizens to take action to end the global criminalization of journalists. She emphasizes the need for stronger protection mechanisms, meaningful sanctions, and international law enforcement to address impunity.

Source: Al Jazeera