UAE ranks 119 in the 2016 World Press Freedom Index

UAE ranks 119 in the 2016 World Press Freedom Index

Most of the movement in the World Press Freedom Index unveiled today by Reporters Without Borders is indicative of a climate of fear and tension combined with increasing control over newsrooms by governments and private-sector interests.

The 2016 World Press Freedom Index reflects the intensity of the attacks on journalistic freedom and independence by governments, ideologies and private-sector interests during the past year.

Seen as a benchmark throughout the world, the Index ranks 180 countries according to the freedom allowed journalists. It also includes indicators of the level of media freedom violations in each region. 

The annual report pointed out that North Africa/Middle East (50.8) is still the region where journalists are most subjected to constraints of every kind.

World Press Freedom Index’s ranking put the United Arab of Emirates (UAE) among the countries with the worst levels of press freedom out of the 180 evaluated. 

Although, the UAE's constitution guarantees freedom of expression, the government used to censor each local or foreign publication criticising the country's policies, leaders, or royal family, according to the report.

The report also pointed to the UAE's cybercrime law according to which dozens of bloggers and online activists are jailed.

Published annually by RSF since 2002, the World Press Freedom Index is an important advocacy tool based on the principle of emulation between states. Because it is now so well known, its influence over the media, governments and international organizations is growing.
 

 

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