Press freedom slips in some EU countries, watchdog group says

Oct 20, 2010, 14:46 GMT

Paris - Freedom of the press is on the decline in some European countries, while journalists continue to be targeted in wars and other forms of conflict, the media watchdog Reporters Without Borders said Wednesday.

'More than ever before, we see that economic development, institutional reform and respect for fundamental rights do not necessarily go hand-in-hand,' the Paris-based group said in its ninth annual Press Freedom Index, which ranks countries according to how they respect freedom of the press.

Several European nations slipped significantly in the index, notably Portugal and Greece. The bad showing of Greece, which fell from 35th place in 2009 to 70th this year, was due 'to political unrest and physical attacks on several journalists.'

In addition, Ukraine fell to 131st place - behind Iraq - due to 'the slow and steady deterioration in press freedom since Viktor Yanukovych's election as president in February,' said Reporters Without Borders, which is known by its French acronym RSF.

The group also criticized France and Italy for a lack of progress in resolving their problems.

RSF said these include 'violation of the protection of journalists' sources, the continuing concentration of media ownership, displays of contempt and impatience on the part of government officials towards journalists and their work, and judicial summonses.'

The French are ranked 44th this year and Italy stands 49th, in a tie with Burkina Faso.

On the other hand, European countries once again led the rankings, with Finland, Iceland, Norway, the Netherlands, Sweden and Switzerland tied for the top spot.

According to RSF, 'these six countries set an example in the way they respect journalists and news media and protect them from judicial abuse.'

At the other end stood the usual suspects, with - starting at the bottom - Eritrea, North Korea, Turkmenistan, Iran and Burma.

'Freedom is not allowed any space in Burma, where a parliamentary election is due to be held next month, and the rare attempts to provide news or information are met with imprisonment and forced labour,' the group said.

In addition, war, civil war and other conflicts in Afghanistan, Pakistan, Somalia and Mexico have created 'a situation of permanent chaos and a culture of violence and impunity taking root in which the press has become a favourite target' in those countries, RSF said.