Uzbekistan’s Freedom of Press Ranking Drops
Uzbekistan Drops in 2023 Freedom of the Press Index
Uzbekistan has been ranked 137th out of 180 countries on the 2023 Freedom of the Press Index, compiled by non-governmental organization Reporters Without Borders. This is a drop from the republic’s 133rd place ranking last year.
The report highlights the lack of private television networks and the election-time propaganda spread by the state-owned radio. Privately owned radio stations refrain from criticizing the government, while the written press serves state interests. There are only about 15 online media outlets that publish quality content, some of which are based abroad.
The media is largely controlled by the authorities, with close ties to government bloggers also monitored. Experts believe that the necessary reforms to end repressive media laws have yet to be implemented.
Surveillance, censorship, and self-censorship remain prevalent in Uzbekistan, with many local online media outlets avoiding official registration as media to protect their independence, but risking prosecution and facing heavy fines for what they publish.
The report also highlights issues with financial independence among media outlets in the country.
The problems of legislation in the field of media work were also discussed, as was the case of blogger Otabek Sattoriy, which was highlighted in last year’s report.
Although Uzbekistan made progress in the 2022 index, moving up 24 positions from 157th to 133rd place, it is clear that there is still work to be done to ensure greater freedom of the press in the country.
