The Reporters Without Borders organization has published the Press Freedom Index 2024
report, which evaluates the working conditions of journalists in around 180 countries of the world.
Armenia has improved its position in the index and has reached the 43rd position, instead of the 49th position of the previous year. Thus, Armenia is the leader among the regional countries. Georgia was ranked 103rd, Turkey - 158th, Russia - 162nd, Azerbaijan - 164th and Iran - 176th.
The document noted that although there is a pluralistic environment in Armenia, the media remains polarized and the country faces unprecedented levels of disinformation and hate speech, largely due to the events in Nagorno-Karabakh.
It was emphasized that the polarization of the media reflects the polarization of the political field. It was also noted that only a few media remain independent, while others remain loyal either to the ruling wing or to the opposition side.
It was also noted that clashes on the border with Azerbaijan complicate the work of journalists, they are often subjected to pressure, insults and violence, and in general, violence against journalists remains unpunished in the country.
According to the report, two political topics are particularly sensitive in the media: the ethnic cleansing of Armenians in Nagorno-Karabakh and the tense relations between Armenia and Russia.
