Most countries in Asia see decline in press freedom

FILE - In a sign of protest against the police using force against the media, press photographers wear protective gear during a police media conference in Hong Kong, Sept. 9, 2019. Once a model for press freedom in the Asia region, Hong Kong's ranking has plummeted. FILE - Hong Kong media tycoon Jimmy Lai pauses during an interview in Hong Kong on July 1, 2020.

Global media watchdog Reporters Without Borders, or RSF, says press freedom in Asia continues to see a decline, with 26 out of 31 countries falling on its annual index.