Malta fell six places in the world press freedom index, coming in line with a number of African states.
The figures, compiled by Reporters Without Borders, found that Malta had slipped down to 51 out of 180 countries, just above Burkina Faso and 10 places behind Botswana.
The demotion was unexplained in the association’s final report but a spokesman told Times of Malta that the move was mostly insignificant.
“Malta is in a part of the index where large moves are based on relatively little changes. Malta’s new ranking is mostly based on changes in other countries,” a spokesman said.
The report is based on a question sent to freedom of expression organisations, journalists and researchers.