Story perspectives

Global Press Freedom Declines: 94 Countries Show Worsening Democracy

9/11/2025

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Summary

Story summary

The International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance reports a 50-year decline in global press freedom and democracy.
Over five years, democracy worsened in 94 countries, with only one-third showing improvement.
Significant declines in press freedom occurred in Afghanistan, Burkina Faso, Myanmar, and South Korea.
Nearly 200 journalists have been killed in Palestine since October 2023 due to Israeli press restrictions.
Chile improved freedom of expression through new journalist safety legislation.

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Story summary

The International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance reports a 50-year decline in global press freedom and democracy.
Over five years, democracy worsened in 94 countries, with only one-third showing improvement.
Significant declines in press freedom occurred in Afghanistan, Burkina Faso, Myanmar, and South Korea.
Nearly 200 journalists have been killed in Palestine since October 2023 due to Israeli press restrictions.
Chile improved freedom of expression through new journalist safety legislation.