Afghanistan, Vietnam, Russia Rank as World’s Most Dangerous Countries for Journalists

 a non-profit organization that advocates for press freedom, has ranked Afghanistan, Vietnam, and Russia as the world’s most dangerous countries for journalists in its annual Press Freedom Index.

The index, which is based on a variety of factors, including the level of legal protection for journalists, the safety of journalists, and the level of media freedom, found that Afghanistan is the most dangerous country for journalists, with Vietnam and Russia following closely behind.

RSF said that the situation for journalists in Afghanistan has deteriorated since the Taliban took control of the country in August 2021. The organization said that at least 21 journalists were arrested in Afghanistan in 2023, and three journalists are still in prison.

RSF also said that media freedom in Afghanistan has been severely restricted under the Taliban. The organization said that the Taliban has banned certain news outlets and has intimidated journalists who criticize the government.

The Taliban has denied that it is persecuting journalists. In a statement, Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid said that the Taliban respects the freedom of the press and that journalists are free to report without fear of reprisals.

However, RSF said that the Taliban’s actions speak louder than its words. The organization said that the Taliban’s crackdown on journalists is a clear sign that the group is not committed to press freedom.

The findings of the RSF report are a major concern for press freedom advocates. The report shows that journalists are under increasing threat around the world.