WORD PRESS FREEDOM INDEX

Reporters without Borders (RSF) published their World Press Freedom Index on Wednesday (20 October). Turkey followed last year's tendency and fell back another 16 places to the 138^th rank.

With a total of 178 countries on the list, Turkey is stands between Singapore and Ethiopia. Northern Cyprus performed much better in the 61^st position.

Under the heading "Central Asia, Turkey and the Ukraine cause concern, while the European model weakens" the RSF issued a referring press release. "These declines can be explained, as far as Turkey is concerned, by the frenzied proliferation of lawsuits, incarcerations, and court sentencing targeting journalists" it was said in the announcement.

Turkey continually sliding downwards...

Turkey already fell back 20 places in last year's ranking of a total of 175 countries. It was in the 122th position slightly ahead of Venezuela and sharing the place with the Philippines. In 2008, the country held the 102^nd rank together with Armenia among a total of 173 countries. In 2007, Turkey was one place ahead on rank 101 among 163 countries.

The World Press Freedom Index 2010 is the ninth such ranking published by RSF. The index is lead by Finland, Iceland, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden and Switzerland sharing the top position. Trailing behind the rest of the countries are Myanmar (174), Iran (175), North Korea (176), Turkmenistan (177) and Eritrea (178).

Julliard: Paying homage to all those who struggle

"Our latest world press freedom index contains welcome surprises, highlights sombre realities and confirms certain trends," RSF secretary-general Jean-François Julliard said.

"More than ever before, we see that economic development, institutional reform and respect for fundamental rights do not necessarily go hand in hand. The defence of media freedom continues to be a battle, a battle of vigilance in the democracies of old Europe and a battle against oppression and injustice in the totalitarian regimes still scattered across the globe.

We must [...] pay homage to the human rights activists, journalists and bloggers throughout the world who bravely defend the right to speak out. Their fate is our constant concern. (EÖ/VK)

Source: RSF