In the annual World Press Freedom Index released by Reporters Without Borders (RSF), it has become evident that political authorities are increasingly posing a threat to press freedom worldwide. The latest findings reveal a concerning decline in the political indicator, which has experienced an average global fall of 7.6 points.

The report highlights a growing number of governments failing to fulfill their role as guarantors of a conducive environment for journalism, reliable news, and independent information. RSF notes a worrying decrease in support for media autonomy, accompanied by an increase in pressure from states and other political entities. These actions range from hindering journalists' work to engaging in campaigns of harassment and disinformation.

As we approach the monumental year of 2024, where over half the world's population will go to the polls, RSF sounds a warning about a troubling trend exposed by the World Press Freedom Index: a decline in political actions to protect press freedom. This powerlessness often manifests in hostile activities that undermine the role of journalists or exploit the media for political objectives.

On an international level, there has been a clear lack of political will from the global community to enforce the protection of journalists, notably reflected in the disregard for UN Security Council Resolution 2222. The conflict in Gaza has witnessed an unprecedented number of violations against journalists, resulting in the deaths of more than 100 Palestinian reporters, including 22 while performing their duties.

Palestine finds itself ranked 157th out of 180 countries in the overall 2024 World Press Freedom Index and among the lowest 10 in terms of journalists' security. The region grapples with constant Israeli bombardment and occupation, further exacerbating the challenges faced by journalists.

Notably, the year 2023 witnessed decisive elections, particularly in Latin America, where political leaders who undermine press freedom and media plurality were triumphantly elected. For instance, in Argentina, Javier Milei's victory led to the closure of the country's largest news agency, a disconcerting symbolic act. Elections across several other countries like Nigeria, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and various Sahel countries also witnessed violence against journalists and increased media censorship.

The rise of disinformation poses a grave concern, with generative AI, including audio deepfakes, playing a prominent role in influencing election outcomes. The use of these manipulative techniques to target journalists is evident, such as the case of Monika Todova's audio deepfake during parliamentary elections in Slovakia, marking one of the first documented incidents aiming to impact democratic processes.

Governments across the globe have tightened control over social media and the internet, implementing measures that restrict access, block accounts, and suppress news-bearing messages. Vietnam and China are known for systematically imprisoning journalists who express their opinions on social media. China, in addition to detaining the highest number of journalists globally, continues to exercise strict control over information channels, censoring and regulating online content that contradicts the party line.

Political groups also incite hatred and distrust towards journalists by insulting, discrediting, and threatening them. Some groups seek to dominate the media ecosystem, either by controlling state-owned media or through the acquisition of privately owned outlets by allied businessmen. Italy has fallen five places in the Index, partly due to the attempted acquisition of the country's second-largest news agency by a member of the ruling coalition.

With three-quarters of countries surveyed acknowledging the involvement of political actors in propaganda or disinformation campaigns, over 30 nations described this involvement as "systematic." Eastern Europe and Central Asia have witnessed intensified media censorship, emulating Russian repressive methods displayed in Belarus, Georgia, Kyrgyzstan, Azerbaijan, and even influencing Serbia.

The decline in press freedom has even impacted traditionally strong democracies. Norway, still ranking first, experienced a decline in its political score, and Ireland, where media outlets have faced judicial intimidation from politicians, relinquished its leading position in the European Union to Denmark. Meanwhile, Germany has emerged as one of the top ten countries in the Index.

The Americas face a significant hurdle as journalists fear reprisals while covering subjects related to organized crime, corruption, or the environment. The United States has seen a drop of ten places, and South America, in particular, has experienced a deterioration in press freedom, with Mexico remaining one of the most dangerous countries for journalists.

The situation in Sub-Saharan Africa has worsened due to political violence during major elections, with Nigeria, Togo, and Madagascar witnessing waves of repression against reporters. In the Asia-Pacific region, Myanmar, China, North Korea, Vietnam, and Afghanistan are among the ten most dangerous countries for media professionals. Concerningly, none of the countries in the region made it to the top 15 of the Index.

The Middle East and North Africa region continues to face a "very serious" press freedom crisis, with several countries exhibiting alarming conditions. The United Arab Emirates joins Yemen, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Palestine, Iraq, Bahrain, Syria, and Egypt in the red zone, with Qatar being the only country in the region that avoids a "difficult" or "very serious" classification.

The World Press Freedom Index highlights the pressing need for action as upcoming elections threaten to exert even greater pressure on journalists globally. The disregard for press freedom by political authorities has created an alarming environment that hampers the right to reliable and independent information, further eroding the foundations of democracy.