On May 3, it will be the Press Freedom Day. Around the world, journalists who are unable to do their work freely are then considered. Some are imprisoned, others have even been killed. This day also calls for an open discussion about freedom of expression.
In the Netherlands, freedom of the press often feels obvious. But that is far from the case everywhere. This has also been fought hard in the past. And journalistic freedom is still vulnerable, especially in times of war and political tensions
Without a free press, governments or those in power can tell their story without contradiction. They can spread propaganda, withhold information, or distort the truth. Then citizens will no longer have access to honest and independent reporting.
A common example isWatergate scandal. In the 1970s, journalists discovered that the US president was involved in political abuses. Without a free press, this would never have come to light. The truth can only be told if journalists are free to do their jobs.
A bit of history
Over the centuries, people have had to fight time and again for the right to write, speak and publish freely.
In 1789, during the French Revolution, the call for freedom of expression rang out loud across the streets in Paris. Citizens not only demanded political change, but also the right to speak up without fear of persecution. A revolutionary step that laid the foundation for the free press as we know it today.
The Netherlands also has an important history. During the Second World War, under German occupation, independent newspapers disappeared and resistance newspapers such asallegiance andHet Parool are secretly printed. Many risked their lives to inform the population about what really happened.
And still, today, freedom of the press is not a certainty. In various countries, journalists are persecuted, threatened or silenced simply because they do their job.
Press freedom today
The biggest current example of this is perhaps Russia, where the government imposed strict control over the media after the invasion of Ukraine. Journalists who were critical of the war or the Russian government were charged, arrested, and sometimes forced to flee abroad. Independent news websites were shut down or forced to censor their coverage. Russian law now makes it possible to accuse journalists of “disinformation” and to impose severe penalties on them, leading to a climate of self-censorship and fear of persecution.
So even today, a well-informed society is essential. Whether it's about elections, social developments or global crises: people have a right to facts, different perspectives and independent reporting to form their own opinions.
What will the Netherlands do in 2025?
According to the annual report by Reporters Without Borders (RSF)in 2025, the Netherlands rose from 4th to the 3rd place in the world press freedom ranking. The first place is once again occupied by Norway, followed by Estonia in 2nd place.
At the same time, there are countries where press freedom has further deteriorated. Russia is this year 9 places dropped in the rankings. The lower regions of the list are formed by countries: China, North Korea and Eritrea, where independent journalism is hardly possible.
Source: Reportes Without Borders 2025
Press Freedom Day is more than just a moment of remembrance. It is a call to remain critical, to give space to different voices and to continue defending freedom of information. Not just today, but every day.
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