The Reporters Without Borders published their annual Press Freedom Index, according to which Greece dropped by 14 positions since last year (and 50 since 2007) and now ranks 99th in the world, the second before last amongst EU members.

The organization attributes the significant decline to the sudden shut down of ERT in June 2013, when Prime Minister Samaras took an unprecedented decision to shut down the public broadcasting service’s four television channels and five radio stations. The replacement service NERIT has yet to come on the air, while the interim service DT has been plagued by problems since it began broadcasting.

Furthermore, the Reports Without Borders cite the general insecurity amongst journalists, due to attacks sustained when covering demonstrations and the “war” declared on journalists by the neo-Nazi Golden Dawn party. The organization explains that high-ranking executives and supporters of the extremist party openly threaten journalists with physical harm.

Finally, it is stressed that the few entrepreneurs and ship owners who funded the media in Greece have moved their investments to other, more profitable sectors, resulting in profound financial difficulties in the sector. As a result many newspapers and media outlets have had to shut down, while the rumors of entanglement which have been lingering for years have created an even more explosive situation.

The Reporters Without Borders’ annual Press Freedom Index is available for viewing here.