Reporters Without Borders uses this occasion to remind all of us that democracy loses ground every time that some country's authorities flout the "right to inform-and to be informed-a right" that it is their duty to uphold. 

Last year, 25 journalists and media professionals were killed just for doing their jobs or expressing their opinions. Meanwhile, the number of journalists taken in for questioning has increased by almost 40%, while the number assaulted or threatened has doubled since 2001. Today, 155 journalists, media contributors and cyber-dissidents are behind bars simply because they chose to promote the free flow of information.

A  report lists press freedom violations in 156 countries, spanning five continents (165 pages).

Reporters Without Borders' Annual Report 2003: the status of press freedom in 156 Countries . Available at www.rsf.org.