With growing authoritarian tendencies and the rise of fake news and disinformation, press freedom is under greater threat than ever. No journalist should risk their life for doing their job, yet a staggering number have been injured and even killed in recent years.
For Press Freedom Day 2026, we highlighted some key statistics on the recent surge of violence against the press. As liberals, we cannot allow this to become normalised, as the freedom of the press is a core pillar of our democratic society.
Last year, 129 journalists were killed in what was the deadliest year since 2022. So far in 2026, 17 journalists have already been killed, while over 330 journalists sit in prison across the world.
This reality is not abstract. It is visible on the ground in conflict zones such as Ukraine. ALDE Party Vice-President Yevheniia Kravchuk commented these targeted strikes:
“This is not collateral damage, but a deliberate attempt to silence the truth and yet, they continue reporting. From new locations under constant threat with cameras and microphones where others would seek shelter. I am grateful to every journalist who keeps the truth alive. Accountability starts with their work.”
A free press is fundamental to a functioning democracy yet journalists are facing intimidation, censorship and violence for reporting facts and holding power to account. Liberals stand with the brave journalists who defend democracy and transparency every day – and we must ensure fair reporting by protecting reporters in danger zones.
The alarming deterioration of the press is highlighted in this year’s World Press Freedom Index which indicates a 25-year low. The report shows that 100 out of 180 countries have seen their press freedom score decline. This is particularly true in Europe’s East, which further empowers Russia’s targeted digital assault in the region.
European Commissioner for Democracy, Justice and the Rule of Law, Michael McGrath said:
“After over 25 years in politics, I know how essential independent journalism is to a healthy democratic society. It sharpens public debate, exposes wrongdoing and gives citizens the information they need to make their voices heard.”
The erosion of press freedom is not a distant issue - it is happening now. Fighting for the free press means fighting for democracy itself. Liberals will continue to defend independent media, protect those at risk and ensure that truth is never silenced.