Rome, May 2 (LaPresse) – Italy has fallen to 49th place in the annual World Press Freedom Index published by Reporters Without Borders (RSF), marking a drop of three positions compared to the previous ranking.
According to RSF, “press freedom in Italy continues to be threatened by mafia organizations, particularly in the south of the country, as well as by several small violent extremist groups.” Furthermore, “journalists also report attempts by politicians to hinder their ability to cover legal cases through a ‘gag law,’ in addition to SLAPP procedures (Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation),” which RSF describes as a “common practice in Italy.”
Norway remains at the top of the ranking, followed by Estonia, the Netherlands, Sweden, and Finland. The United States ranks 57th, behind Italy. According to RSF, “after a century of gradual expansion of press rights in the United States, the country is experiencing the first significant and prolonged decline in press freedom in modern history, and the return of Donald Trump to the presidency is significantly worsening the situation.”
At the very bottom of the list, in 176th place, is Iran. Just above is Russia in 171st place.
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