In contrast to the small percentage of the world population living in areas with satisfactory press freedom, more than half of the global population resides in regions with significant restrictions on media. Journalists in these areas face potential risks to their safety and freedom. According to the 2024 World Press Freedom Index map, 36 countries with large populations have been identified as particularly dangerous for journalists. These nations include five of the world’s most populous countries, such as India, China, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Russia.
Interestingly, four of these five countries held elections either in 2023 or early 2024. Despite this, instead of improving the situation, the elections further worsened press freedom violations in these countries, resulting in their continued placement at the bottom of the World Press Freedom Index rankings. Only India did not hold elections during this timeframe and managed to maintain its ranking above others on the index.
