In Bangladesh, 4 “atheist” bloggers have been brutally
murdered this year.
In Egypt, 22 journalists sit in prison.
The really scary fact, however, is
this: of the 180 countries on the 2015 World Press Freedom Index, Bangladesh
ranks 146 and Egypt ranks 158. Two countries with little regard for freedom of
expression are simply two of many—and are actually more tolerant than dozens.
Reporters Without
Borders’ 2015 World Press Freedom Index map and rankings:
The index takes into account each
country’s plurality of opinions, media independence, environment and
self-censorship, legislative framework, transparency, infrastructure and abuses
of information providers.
The good: Finland, Norway, Denmark, the Netherlands, Sweden, New
Zealand, Austria, Canada, Jamaica and Estonia topped the index.
The bad: Laos, Somalia, Iran, Sudan, Vietnam, China, Syria,
Turkmenistan, North Korea and Eritrea claimed the bottom 10 spots.
The ugly reality: Overall, 2015 Press Freedom showed a “worrying
decline” with two-thirds of countries exhibiting a decrease in freedom as compared to
2014. According to the study, reasons
for the decline include the continuance of global conflicts, the proliferation
of non-state actors, the growth of religious censorship, an increase in
opposition to journalists covering demonstrations, a shift in the European
Union away from freedom of information, an increased emphasis on “national security” in democracies and non-democracies alike and authoritarian regimes
seeking evermore control.
Know your freedoms, surf secure
and stay Rando!
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