Greece drops to 70th place in 2021 press freedom rankings

Greece has suffered a decline in press freedom, according to data published by Reporters Without Borders (RSF).

In its annual World Press Freedom Index, Greece ranked 70th out of 180 countries, a five-spot drop from last year.

"Press freedom suffered in Greece in 2020," RSF says.

"Investigative media and media critical of the government were either omitted or were given a disproportionately small share of the advertising resulting from a controversial 20-million-euro public information campaign about the virus. Journalists had to get the government’s permission before reporting in hospitals while the health ministry banned medical staff from talking to the media."

RSF also expressed concern about the new rules for policing demonstrations, because it designates areas for the press.

"In April 2021, the community of Greek journalists was shaken by the assassination of the reporter specialising in crime issues Giorgos Karaivaz."

Norway, Finland, Sweden, Denmark and Costa Rica ranked in first, second, third, fourth and fifth place respectively for press freedom.

*More on GCT- Greek President: The freedom of the press is a key factor for “the democratic public dialogue”