Press freedom in the world

Press freedom threatened worldwide: “Laws used as weapons against journalists”

Press freedom worldwide is under severe pressure. This is shown by this year’s press freedom index from Reporters Without Borders (RSF), reports TT. Over half of the world’s countries are now in one of the two lowest categories, “difficult” or “very difficult” situations.

– Laws and legal possibilities are being used as weapons against journalists. Journalism is being criminalized, says Erik Larsson, spokesperson for RSF.

The situation is most difficult in authoritarian states, but the situation is also deteriorating in many democracies. One country that has dropped seven places is the USA, which is now in 64th place.

– Trump attacks the media on a daily basis. He wants to portray himself as an outsider. The media should represent the elite that stands between him and the people, says Larsson.

Sweden also loses one place, to fifth place on the list, which is topped by Norway.

Poland shows the way – climbing the press freedom list

Globally, press freedom is reaching new lows, but there are also positive examples. This is stated by Reporters Without Borders (RSF) in this year's Press Freedom Index, writes TT. One country where developments have quickly turned in the right direction is Poland, which has climbed around 40 positions in just a few years.

- Their previous government attacked and controlled the media. Now their new government has wanted to restore what was lost, says Erik Larsson, spokesperson for RSF.

He also points out that historically, things have looked even worse in the world than they do today, for example in the early 1940s.

- History has shown time and again that even in the darkest moments, there is a way forward, says Larsson.