Press Freedom Declines Sharply in Commonwealth, Global Democracy Report Finds

A series of reports and statements highlight a significant global decline in press freedom, with India and Commonwealth countries notably criticized for legal and governmental actions that undermine free expression. The Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative and allied organizations report that many member states use outdated and punitive laws, including defamation, sedition, and blasphemy statutes, to intimidate journalists and suppress dissent, with high impunity for violence against media professionals. India, despite constitutional guarantees, leads in internet shutdowns and continues to weaponize vague laws against critics, while defamation suits are increasingly used as strategic tools to silence smaller media outlets. Globally, the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance documents the sharpest fall in press freedom in 50 years amid a broader democratic decline affecting 94 countries, with key deteriorations in rights, rule of law, and representation. Specific regional concerns include police intimidation of journalists in Nigeria and severe media restrictions and violence in conflict zones like Palestine. Calls for urgent reforms emphasize aligning national laws with international human rights standards and protecting journalists to safeguard democratic accountability worldwide.