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A press photographer wearing helmet and gas mask covering a revolt in the streets of Paris, with a small pile of burning trash in the street and clouds of tear gas in the distance
Image: Yaghobzadeh Alfred/abaca/picture alliance

Press freedom

A free and independent media landscape, a fundamental characteristic of democracies, is protected by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. May 3 marks World Press Freedom Day.

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News

May 10, 2026

RSF urges Niger to ditch 'abusive' French media ban

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Skip next section Reports & Analysis

Reports & Analysis

Pictures of killed Iranians in white frames set out for a vigil, surrounded by red roses and lit candles

Iran: Surge of political prisoners amid US-Israel war

Iran: Surge of political prisoners amid US-Israel war

Amid the US-Iran war, as the world watches the Strait of Hormuz, Tehran is increasing pressure on political prisoners.
SocietyMay 12, 2026
Journalists in an office of Czech Television with television screens in the background

Czech journalists warn of dangers of public media reform

Czech journalists warn of dangers of public media reform

Czech journalists warn that the government's public media funding reform could open the door to political influence.
Press FreedomMay 4, 202604:03 min
Several Serbian-language newspapers and magazines are seen hanging on a newsstand in Belgrade, Serbia, August 2022

How Serbia's government controls much of the media

How Serbia's government controls much of the media

With an election expected soon, experts fear authorities will try to eliminate independent reporting.
PoliticsMay 3, 2026
A video camera seen pointing at German parliament plenary chamber as lawmakers debate in the background.

Why press freedom matters to everyone, not just journalists

Why press freedom matters to everyone, not just journalists

Former UN special rapporteur David Kaye explains why free speech is about your right to know — not just who speaks.
Press FreedomMay 2, 202610:30 min
A man reads a Farsi newspaper in Tehran

Iran war expands press crackdown, leaving information vacuum

Iran war expands press crackdown, leaving information vacuum

For journalists in Iran, the truth is increasingly treated as a security threat and information is strictly controlled.
Press FreedomMay 1, 2026
DW's Director General Barbara Massing in a TV interview

DW head praises Jimmy Lai's commitment to press freedom

DW head praises Jimmy Lai's commitment to press freedom

DW Director General Barbara Massing explains why the Hong Kong media magnate has received the Freedom of Speech Award.
PoliticsApril 30, 202604:39 min
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Skip next section In the spotlight

In the spotlight

Portrait photograph of Hong Kong activist Jimmy Lai from June 16, 2020.

Who is Hong Kong publisher Jimmy Lai?

Jimmy Lai, who has been awarded DW's Freedom of Speech Award, built arguably Hong Kong's most fearless newspaper.
PoliticsApril 30, 202602:09 min
Jimmy Lai seen during a protest in 2014

Hong Kong pro-democracy publisher Jimmy Lai honored by DW

The Hong Kong publisher's son said the award shows that those who fight for the freedom of others "are never alone."
Human RightsApril 30, 2026
Protestor holding a sign that reads "press" and has red color drops imitating blood across it

World press freedom hits new low as authoritarianism rises

With most countries rated "problematic" or worse on the 2026 World Press Freedom Index, media are threatened globally.
Press FreedomApril 30, 2026
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