Press freedom How political attacks are rising globally

Political attacks on press freedom, including the detention of journalists, suppression of independent media outlets and widespread dissemination of misinformation, have significantly intensified in the past year, according to the annual World Press Freedom Index published by Reporters Without Borders (RSF).

- Annie Kelly

The index ranks 180 countries on the ability of journalists to work and report freely and independently.

In a year when more than half the world's population will go to the polls in democratic elections, the RSF's index shows an overall decline in press freedom globally and a steep rise in the political repression of journalists and independent media outlets.

"RSF sees a worrying decline in support and respect for media autonomy and an increase in pressure from the state or other political actors," said Anne Bocandé, RSF editorial director. "This disempowerment sometimes goes hand in hand with more hostile actions that undermine the role of journalists."