Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has raised alarm over the state of journalism in numerous countries, with a particular focus on Iraq. In its 2024 Press Freedom Index released on Friday, RSF highlighted the challenges faced by journalists around the world.
Norway secured the top position for press freedom in the index, while Eritrea now ranks at the bottom, replacing North Korea. The report pointed out the dire working conditions for journalists in three-quarters of the world and criticized the international community for failing to prioritize the protection of journalists.
RSF cited the killing of over 100 Palestinian journalists by the Israeli army, with at least 22 of them being targeted while on duty. The organization also noted a concerning decline in support and respect for media independence globally.
Highlighting the Maghreb-Middle East region as the most perilous for journalism in the global rankings, RSF underscored the challenges faced by journalists under authoritarian regimes. While European countries, especially those in the European Union, maintain a relatively positive press freedom status, countries like Russia, Belarus, Turkmenistan, and Georgia were ranked poorly.
Specifically, Iraq, alongside Yemen, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Palestine, Bahrain, Egypt, and the UAE, found themselves in the red zone on the press freedom index, signifying significant challenges in upholding journalistic freedom. RSF emphasized the urgent need to address these issues to safeguard journalism in these regions.
