Georgia drops in press freedom ranking

Georgia has lost its position as the press freedom leader of the Caucasus, according Reporters Without Borders' 2011 report. Out of a total 179 evaluated states, Georgia fell to 104th place, behind Armenia's 77th place. Russia appeared at 142nd, and Azerbaijan trails the Caucasian nations at 162nd. The document cites the abuse of journalists during the opposition rally on May 26, 2011. Video and still cameras were confiscated or broken, with some journalists beaten and detained. Later, four photographers were arrested on a charge of espionage.