Maldives drops four spots in World Press Freedom Index
The Maldives' score in the World Press Freedom Index has declined due to escalating economic, political, and legal challenges. Key factors contributing to this drop include financial pressures on media outlets, legislative amendments compelling the disclosure of confidential sources, and heightened safety concerns for journalists. According to the Reporters Without Borders (RSF) report, the country's journalistic landscape has been further compromised by government influence and initiatives such as the establishment of a new media commission.
President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu speaks during the press conference. | president office
The Maldives has slipped four spots to 108th place in the World Press Freedom Index.
This represents a decline compared to the Maldives' ranking of 104th in 2025.
According to the index statistics, the Maldives' overall score has declined from 52.46 to 49.23. This shift has resulted in a downward trend across all key indicators used to measure press freedom in the country.
Looking at specific categories, the political indicator score declined from 123 to 129. The political indicator in the World Press Freedom Index, compiled by Reporters Without Borders (RSF), measures the degree of government influence, pressure, and control over media content and the dissemination of news and information.
This index assesses the editorial independence of media outlets, the extent to which state propaganda is promoted, and the obstacles imposed on journalists by political actors. Furthermore, it highlights that the global decline in press freedom is primarily driven by such shifts within the political landscapes of various nations.
The most significant decline was observed in the economic sphere, with the economic indicator plummeting from 118th to 157th place. The economic parameter in the World Press Freedom Index, published by Reporters Without Borders (RSF), evaluates financial pressures that obstruct press freedom. This includes the concentration of media ownership among a few individuals, the influence of advertisers, and the sustainability of state-supported media outlets.
Furthermore, the legal framework indicator fell from 103 to 126, while the security indicator saw a significant decline, dropping from 56 to 77. The security indicator in the World Press Freedom Index, published by Reporters Without Borders (RSF), measures the safety of journalists. This metric evaluates threats and acts of violence against media professionals, as well as the obstacles they face in carrying out their work safely. It is one of the five key pillars used to determine a country's overall ranking.
Furthermore, the social sector indicator showed improvement, rising from 133rd to 118th place.
Reports indicate that the Maldives, an Asia-Pacific nation with a population of approximately 520,000, was once governed by a self-serving administration that disregarded the fundamental principles of press freedom. However, with the transition to democracy in the 2010s, a free and vibrant media landscape has since emerged.
The decline in the Maldives' ranking on the World Press Freedom Index comes at a time when the country’s media landscape is under intense international scrutiny. These statistics indicate that the challenges faced by journalists in the line of duty have significantly increased.
According to Reporters Without Borders (RSF), although the previous administration repealed the controversial defamation law that hindered media freedom, the situation has shifted under President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s government. The organization highlighted legislative amendments that compel journalists to disclose their sources, as well as the establishment of a new Media Commission despite ongoing concerns raised by the press.
