Poland records sharp decline in Press Freedom Index

Poland slipped 29 positions compared with last year and ranks 47th in the 2016 World Press Freedom Index announced by advocacy group Reporters without Borders. The index ranks 180 countries on indicators such as media independence, self-censorship, the rule of law, transparency and abuses. "Shortly after winning the 2015 election, the conservative Law and Justice party passed a media law empowering the government to appoint and dismiss the heads of the state radio and TV broadcast media. It took effect in January 2016. Under a second law being prepared, the contracts of all the employees of these media would be terminated. Alarmed to see a European Union member violate fundamental EU values, the European Commission launched a procedure designed to ensure respect for the rule of law in Poland," the report read. Christophe Deloire, secretary general of the Paris-based group told British newspaper the Guardian  that this year’s index saw a decline in all parts of the world.  “All of the indicators show a deterioration. Numerous authorities are trying to regain control of their countries, fearing overly open public debate,” he said. Finland, the Netherlands and Norway came in the first three positions, while North Korea and Eritrea occupy the two bottoms spots.