The media in Armenia, according to the latest annual World Press Freedom Index produced by Reporters Without Borders (RSF), remains polarized and the country is facing an unprecedented level of disinformation and hate speech, especially over the Nagorno-Karabakh territorial dispute and the ongoing threat of war with Azerbaijan.

RSF released the index today to mark World Press Freedom Day (May 3).

Two-thirds of Armenia’s population get their news via social media outlets, according to RSF.

Regarding Armenia, the index writes:

“Despite the decriminalization of defamation and the implementation of legislation that guarantees the transparency of media ownership, the legal framework that regulates the sector does not sufficiently protect freedom of the press, nor does it follow European standards. Recent reforms have not resolved problems posed by disinformation and gag orders. Access to state-held information is limited by the government (refusal to respond, delays, etc.)”

Violence against reporters in Armenia, according to the index, generally goes unpunished.

The index ranks press freedom in 180 countries. Armenia’s ranking rose from 49th place in 2023 to 43rd place this year.