The Hungarian press received a low qualification from an American organization

Freedom House, a non-profit organization based in Washington, D.C. published its yearly report on Wednesday, and found that the freedom of the press has been getting more restricted everywhere in the world, including Europe, figyelo.hu writes.

Related article:
THE PHOTO THAT DISCREDITED HUNGARY HAS JUST RECEIVED A PULITZER PRIZE

According to the report, Turkey’s and Middle Eastern countries’ press freedom was the most restricted: journalists in these countries are forced to take sides, and the governments and several activist groups apply the “you’re either with us or without us” mentality. Those who do not obey the rules are often attacked and abused.

Jennifer Dunham, leader of the research group said that many European countries have introduced stricter measures in the past year, and journalists have to face terrorist threats, constant monitoring, and tighter national security laws. Dunham named Poland and Serbia as the two European countries where politicians are aiming to have a greater influence on the country’s media.

Dunham emphasized that Chinese and Syrian journalists are in an extremely dangerous position; during the research she encountered highly censored articles, and noted that several journalists were imprisoned, and were forced to make false confessions on television. However, many journalists continue their work, such as those in Syria, or the investigative journalists in Mexico, Brazil, and Colombia.