Maldives has jumped 22 places from 120th rank to 98th rank in the latest World Press Freedom Index compiled by Reporters Without Borders (RSF).
The organization noted that while the Maldives fell steadily in the World Press Freedom Index during former president Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayyom's rule, the country's ranking has climbed after President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih's government came to power. The organization acknowledged that the new government has fulfilled some pledges on improving press freedom, including repealing the draconian Anti-defamation law within two months into the presidency.
However, the perpetrators involved in the disappearance of journalist Ahmed Rilwan still remain at large, while murderers of blogger Yameen Rasheed remain unpunished, noted RSF.
Bhutan is at the top of the rankings among countries in the South Asian region in the latest index, with India at 140th and Sri Lanka at 126th rank. At the top of the world rankings are Norway, Finland, Sweden, Netherlands and Denmark while Switzerland and New Zealand follow closely behind.
President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih speaking to the press - Photo: President's Office
