For the first time, Transparency International examined the relationship between corruption levels and the degree of freedom enjoyed by media and civil society groups. It found that almost all journalists killed since 2012 were killed in corrupt countries. Based on data from the Committee to Protect Journalists, the findings show that more than 9 out of 10 journalists were killed in countries that scored 45 or less on the CPI. This means that, on average, every week at least one journalist is killed in a country that is highly corrupt. In addition, one in five journalists that died was covering a story about corruption. "Given current crackdowns on both civil society and the media worldwide, we need to do more to protect those who speak up," said Patricia Moreira, TI's managing director, adding that justice had never been served in the majority of these cases. The report names Brazil as an example — a country which scores only 37 on this year's CPI. There 20 journalists died in the last six years after being targeted for their investigations into local government corruption and drug-related crimes.
TI's analysis shows that most countries that score low for civil liberties also tend to score high for corruption. "Smear campaigns, harassment, lawsuits and bureaucratic red tape are all tools used by certain governments in an effort to quiet those who drive anti-corruption efforts," said Moreira. TI is calling on all governments that "hide behind restrictive laws" to roll them back immediately and allow for greater civic participation.
TI Chairwoman Delia Ferreira Rubio said weak rule of law, lack of access to information, governmental control over social media and reduced citizen participation were directly linked to high levels of corruption, risking "the very essence of democracy and freedom."
http://www.dw.com/en/more-than-two-thirds-of-all-countries-corrupt-ti-report-says/a-42682937
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