Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has released its annual list of "Enemies of Media Freedom," which includes 33 individuals and entities, notably Mullah Haibatullah Akhundzada, the leader of the Taliban. The list was published on Monday, November 2, coinciding with the "International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists."
RSF states that the individuals and entities on the 2026 list have restricted media freedom and independent journalism through various methods, including threats, arrests, violence, legal and economic pressure, and propaganda. The list is organized into five categories: political, security, legal, economic, and social.
In the political category, Mullah Haibatullah Akhundzada is listed alongside figures such as US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin. RSF accuses these leaders of silencing and restricting the media.
The security section, which focuses on those who detain or kill journalists, includes names like Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and the Israeli military. RSF reports that around 220 journalists have been killed in Gaza.
In the legal category, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan is included for using the law to pressure journalists. In the economic section, companies like Meta (owner of Facebook) and Alphabet (owner of Google) are named for financially weakening media outlets. In the social category, Elon Musk, owner of X, is listed for discrediting journalists.
US President Donald Trump has been included on the list for the first time. RSF says he has used his political power to intimidate media outlets whose reporting does not align with his views.
The organization emphasized that the list is not exhaustive but rather presents examples of individuals and entities believed to have systematically undermined media freedom. Four figures, including former Iranian leader Ali Khamenei, were removed from this year's list.
Source: Reporters Without Borders
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