Armenia ranked highest for press freedom in the region

PanARMENIAN.Net - The 2013 Reporters Without Borders World Press Freedom Index was released, with the same three European countries that headed the index last year hold the top three positions again this year.

For the third year running, Finland has distinguished itself as the country that most respects media freedom. It is followed by the Netherlands and Norway. Dictatorial countries to occupy the last three positions are the same three as last year – Turkmenistan, North Korea and Eritrea.

Mali suffered the most significant ranking plunge (-74 spots to be placed 99th) over the military coup. Tanzania, Oman, Japan, Israel, Malaysia and Cambodia are also among those significantly ranked down.

According to the ranking, Armenia climbed 3 spots to be placed 74th, Azerbaijan gained 6 spots to climb 156th, Georgia gained 4 points to climb 100th. Turkey dropped 6 spots to be placed 154th, Iran gained 1 point to be placed 174th.