Freedom in the World: 2019 Report

[DavidB.]

Calling Hungary "partly free" is ridiculous.

This. If Hungary were only "partly free", people wouldn't have felt as free to demonstrate against the Orbán government in large numbers. Compare that to Morocco, another country in the "partly free" category, where something like that would never be possible.

Also don't really agree with Georgia's classification as "partly free" instead of "free". I've read last year's report in detail and most of their assessment isn't necessarily wrong, but they have subsequently been really harsh in grading. Armenia only has 12 fewer points out of 100, whereas you just feel the difference in terms of freedom if you visit these two countries.

Honestly, Hungary should probably rank lower than Georgia, though I think both should rank as free.

When it comes to democratic backsliding in Europe, much more attention should be paid to Serbia.

[DavidB.]

Calling Hungary "partly free" is ridiculous.

This. If Hungary were only "partly free", people wouldn't have felt as free to demonstrate against the Orbán government in large numbers. Compare that to Morocco, another country in the "partly free" category, where something like that would never be possible.

Also don't really agree with Georgia's classification as "partly free" instead of "free". I've read last year's report in detail and most of their assessment isn't necessarily wrong, but they have subsequently been really harsh in grading. Armenia only has 12 fewer points out of 100, whereas you just feel the difference in terms of freedom if you visit these two countries.

Honestly, Hungary should probably rank lower than Georgia, though I think both should rank as free.

When it comes to democratic backsliding in Europe, much more attention should be paid to Serbia.

If you can’t practice your religion openly and safely then your country is not free. 

Who and which country does this refer to?

Calling Hungary "partly free" is ridiculous.

This. If Hungary were only "partly free", people wouldn't have felt as free to demonstrate against the Orbán government in large numbers. Compare that to Morocco, another country in the "partly free" category, where something like that would never be possible.

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-morocco-protests/tens-of-thousands-protest-in-morocco-over-jailed-rif-activists-idUSKBN1K50R0

The event in Hungary seems to have been much bigger, and generally protesting in Morocco does have more negative repercussions, which means people will be much more reluctant to do so.

[DavidB.]

Why is Mexico only considered "Partially Free?"

It's one of the most dangerous countries in the world for journalists.