PODGORICA, 05.03.2020. – According to the latest Freedom House report for 2020, Montenegro has been rated as a partly free country and ranked 62nd.
The report states that democracy in the world is declining, and compared to last year, Montenegro has fallen three places from 65th position.
Of the 195 countries in the world, 83 countries are designated as free, 63 are partially free, and for 49 countries and territories around the world, Friedom House concludes that they are not free. Syria, South Sudan, North Korea, Saudi Arabia, Libya and others are among the worst.
The Western Balkan countries are still on the list of those with partial freedom. Only Croatia (85th) is characterized as a free country.
Albania is 67, Serbia is 66th and Montenegro is 62, Kosovo is 56th and Bosnia and Herzegovina is 53rd and is characterized as partially free.
In Montenegro and Serbia, journalists, opposition politicians, as well as others who are considered enemies of the government, face constant harassment, intimidation, and even violence. Public frustration with entrenched ruling parties has grown into major protests in both countries but, as Freedom House reports, they have failed to bring any significant change.