Estonia among the top four in the world’s press freedom list

TALLINN – Journalists’ organization “Reporters without Borders” listed Estonia among the top four in the press freedom new top list, which is a major improvement from the previous list, LETA/National Broadcasting reports.

The 1st and 2nd positions are shared by Finland and Norway, who were on the top of the list two years ago, but the 3rd and 4th place are now shared by Estonia an Holland. In the previous list two years ago, Estonia shared 9-10th positions with Ireland.

Latvia shares the 50th position together with Trinidad and Tobago this year and Lithuania shares the 30th place with Australia.

Latvia has dropped 20 places in the index from last year; in 2010, Latvia was ranked 30th. On the other hand, in 2008, Latvia was ranked 7th.

Lithuania also saw a dramatic drop this year – from 11th in 2010 to 30th place in 2011.

Latviaand Lithuania received much criticism from RWB that there has been more and more interference in the work of the press by local security structures.

Finland and Norway topped the 2011 Press Freedom Index, with Turkmenistan, North Korea and Eritrea on the bottom of the list.

The press freedom index of "Reporters without Borders" is based on the evaluations of journalists, lawyers and human rights activists.