Maldives slips six ranks in World Press Freedom Index

Maldives has slipped six ranks in the World Press Freedom Index (WPFI).  

World Press Freedom Index is an annual ranking of 180 nations – compiled by Reporters Without Borders (RSF) – based on the level of freedom enjoyed by journalists and media personnel in those nations.

Maldives, which ranked 100 in the WPFD last year with a score of 56.93, has dropped down 106^th, scoring 52.36. This marks a slip from the classification of nations where its ‘Problematic’ to practice journalism to nations where its ‘Difficult’ to practice journalism.

RSF has attributed the ratification of the Evidence Bill into law including the provision which allows courts to compel journalists to disclose their sources in some circumstances as the main reason for the drop in the rank.

RSF utilizes five indicators in compiling the WPFI. Maldives have been scored as follows in the respective fields:

• Political indicator: 109^th place with 43.48. This accounts to a drop of 12 ranks as Maldives placed 97^th with 53.75 last year.
• Economic indicator: 133^rd place with 36.04. This accounts to an increase of 28 ranks as Maldives placed 161^st last year with 32.84. It is the only indicator in which Maldives improved its score.
• Legislative indicator: 111^th place with 54.42. This accounts to a drop of 13 ranks as Maldives placed 98^th last year with 59.01.
• Social indicator: 131^st with place with 48,10. This accounts to a drop of 7 ranks as Maldives placed 124^th last year with 55.68.
• Security indicator: 80^th place with 79.79. This accounts to a drop of 23 ranks as Maldives placed 57^th last year with 82.48.

Notably, Maldives placed 87^th in the WPFD in 2022; classified as a nation where it is “Satisfactory” to practice journalism.