Press freedom is currently at its lowest point in a quarter of a century, as reported by Reporters Without Borders this spring. More than half of the 180 countries surveyed by the organisation have "difficult" or "very serious" conditions for journalists.
The Committee to Protect Journalists recorded a new peak of 129 deaths of reporters and other media workers in 2025. Unesco also stated last week that almost nine out of 10 killings of journalists go unpunished.
In Egypt, influential journalist Lina Attalah was convicted in absentia in 2024, receiving a one-year sentence for "spreading false news" and operating a website without a licence. She learned of this conviction only after a separate trial in October, which resulted in a large fine and an order for the closure of the Mada Masr website. Ms Attalah faces retrial later this month.
Separately, the entire newsroom of the fact-checking website Matsadash remains in detention. Six journalists were detained weeks ago on charges including joining and financing a terrorist group and spreading false news. Their lawyers allege they have been tortured and forced to record fabricated confessions.
In Russia, Novaya Gazeta was reportedly silenced on Monday after decades of battling repression. Six of its journalists, including Anna Politkovskaya, previously died for their coverage.