Date: Apr 19, 2019 Source: The Daily Star Lebanon falls to 101st place in World Press Freedom Index BEIRUT: Lebanon fell one place in the 2019 World Press Freedom Index, according to the annual ranking from Reporters Without Borders.The country now stands at 101st position, “with its media polarized and freedom of expression under attack,” according to analysis from the group, which goes by its French initials, RSF. The analysis added that “while there is real freedom of speech in the Lebanese media, they nevertheless remain extremely politicized and polarized.” Published annually, the index assesses the level of media freedom in 180 countries by measuring a number of factors including transparency, media independence, and the environment for the media and self-censorship. This year it showed that globally less than a quarter of countries were listed as having a “good” environment for free media. This is a result of what the organization says is a triggering of a “fear transmission mechanism” perpetuated by many political leaders globally who have expressed hatred and hostility toward journalists, fueling fear among journalists and media experts. “Halting this fear transmission mechanism is a matter of the utmost urgency for anyone who values the freedoms acquired in the course of history,” RSF Secretary-General Christophe Deloire said, according to a RSF statement. “If the political debate slides surreptitiously or openly toward a civil war-style atmosphere, in which journalists are treated as scapegoats, then democracy is in great danger,” Deloire said. Lebanon’s laws surrounding freedom of expression have been under increased scrutiny recently, following an increase in the number of people summoned for questioning by authorities over online activity. The principal regulations concerning Lebanon’s media are the 1962 Press Law and the 1994 Audiovisual Law, both of which are considered outdated and in need of reform. According to the report, the U.K. climbed nine places in the index, but the RSF still considered it “one of the worst-ranked Western European countries” despite having a “robust independent media.” Norway remained in first place for the third year running. - The Daily Star