Dear Friends,,
Women Journalists Without Chains sends you its warm greetings and hopes this message finds you in good health.
Delighted to present, Women Journalists Without Chains shares the annual report titled "Uncertain Future for Free Press." This report examines the state of press freedom in the Middle East and North Africa from March 2023 to March 2024.
Throughout rigorous monitoring of press freedom violations and the state of freedom of opinion and expression in the region, the report reveals a disheartening reality: press freedom in the Middle East and North Africa is currently at its lowest point in modern history. Regrettably, 141 journalists have lost their lives, with the majority of these tragedies occuring in Gaza due to the ongoing Israeli aggression since October 7, 2023.
This report comes at a time when expressing opinions, accessing information, and sharing it are being treated as criminal offenses in some countries within the region. An alarming trend of oppressive regimes increasing penalties specifically targeting journalists has been observed. Additionally, recent legislation in the realm of cyberspace aims to legitimize information censorship violations and restrict public access to vital information.
The report provides a comprehensive analysis of the current state of press freedom, emphasizing the urgent need for action. It concludes with practical recommendations to fortify press freedom and ensure the safety of journalists.
Our hope is that this report will raise awareness about the gravity of the challenges faced by press freedom in the region, motivating collective efforts to strengthen press freedom and protect the lives of journalists.
With sincere gratitude and warm regards,
Women Journalists Without Chains
To read and download the report click here
For previous reports and further insights, please refer to the following links:
- UAE: Suffocating Space for Independent Media
- Media Landscape in Iran: The Walls of Shame
- WJWC Press Freedom Report on Egypt
- WJWC Releases 2022 Report on Press Freedom in MENA
- Morocco's Press Freedom at Risk: Concerns of Erosion and Bleak Future
