Press freedom

World Press Freedom Day was first proclaimed by the UN General Assembly in December 1993, following a recommendation by UNESCO. Since then May 3 is celebrated worldwide as World Press Freedom Day. It serves to remind people of the fundamental principles of press freedom as well as heightening the issues facing journalists around the world. It also commemorates journalists who have lost their lives for practicing their profession.

In the last 12 months press freedom has suffered major restrictions in numerous countries around the world and high-profile cases in Turkey, Egypt and Russia.

DW takes a closer look at the dangers facing journalists, examines the state of the media in selected countries and highlights the efforts being made to improve press freedom in various nations.