Libya ranked 165th in 2021 World Press Freedom index
Tripoli, Libya (PANA) - Libya is ranked 165th out of 180 countries in the 2021 World Press Freedom index compiled by Reporters Reporters Sans Frontières (RSF).
The index published on Monday to mark World Press Freedom Day saw Libya fall one place from its 2020 ranking of 164th.
In the report, Libya is ranked 5th among the six countries in the North African zone, ahead of Egypt (166th) and after Tunisia (73rd), Mauritania (94th), Morocco (136th) and Algeria (146th).
The Nordic countries occupy the top four places: Norway occupies the first position followed by Finland, Sweden and Denmark. Costa Rica is fifth.
The other countries that make the top 10 are The Netherlands (6th), Jamaica (7th), New Zealand (8th), Portugal (9th) and Switzerland (10th).
In Africa, countries that made the first 50 are: Namibia (24th), Cape Verde (27th), Ghana (30th), South Africa (32nd) and Burkina Faso (37th), Botswana (38th) and Senegal (49th).
FS said: "Persistent pressures on journalists and media in North Africa keep three countries in the region (Algeria, Morocco and Libya) in the red and black zones of the press freedom map in 2021, for example where the situation is considered difficult or even very serious for the exercise of the profession - while citizens in the region have been constantly calling for more press freedom and freer access to information since the 2011 revolutions."
In Libya, almost a decade after the 17 February 2011 revolution, the situation remains unstable, said RSF, stressing that the various political actors in the east and west are facing each other in an endless power struggle.
It said the situation is aggravated by the intervention of armed militias that destabilise the political landscape and undermine the rule of law.
According to RFS, "Journalists and the media have been paying a heavy price for several years: numerous cases of censorship, violence and intimidation have been recorded. In addition to this, the media have been used by the parties involved in the conflict."
The Paris-based Organisation for the Defence of Journalists has denounced this violence against journalists and the media marked by total impunity for the abuses committed.
It added that "foreign journalists also no longer have the possibility of covering the country in the media because of the deteriorating security situation".
RFS said the organisation of presidential elections in December 2021 represents a hope for political transition, adding that "Libya needs framework laws guaranteeing freedom of expression, the safety of journalists and the right to reliable information".
Established in 1990, World Press Freedom Day is celebrated every year on 3 May.
This year, UNESCO has chosen the theme "Information as a public good" to underline "the undeniable value of verified and reliable information".
-0- PANA BY/JSG/BBA/MA 3May2021
