Ladder: access bans, in Europe

A government or official bars a reporter or a news organisation from places or events where news is gathered: briefings, government buildings, press pools, official trips or court hearings. The ban may be announced, or made by refusing entry without notice. It does not stop publication, but it cuts reporters off from officials and from events that other outlets can still cover.

The number of entries reflects the depth of this record, not the severity of a country's conduct.

Narrow this ladder

StageAnyRestrictPressurePunishSilenceEliminate

ContinentAnyAfricaAsiaEuropeNorth AmericaSouth AmericaOceaniaAntarctica

From (year or date)

To (year or date)

Apply Clear all

1. Restrict
2. Pressure
3. Punish
4. Silence
5. Eliminate

3Punish

Legal or physical action against individual journalists or sources: subpoenas and record seizures, prosecutions, arrests, detention, expulsions, visa denials, assault where a government actor is involved.

BYBelarusRSF 2026 rank: 165th of 180

29 August 2020Alexander Lukashenko

Belarus's government revoked the accreditation of at least 17 journalists working for foreign outlets, including the BBC, Reuters, the Associated Press, Radio Liberty, AFP and Deutsche Welle, as they covered protests after a disputed presidential election.

Note: At least 17 journalists working for named international outlets lost accreditation nationwide and some were deported, not confined to one building or pool.

Sustained 29 August 2020 · 3 sources · Full entry

RURussiaRSF 2026 rank: 172nd of 180

16 June 2022Vladimir Putin

Over several months in 2022, Russian authorities closed a Canadian broadcaster's Moscow bureau, barred dozens of named British and Australian journalists from entering the country, and suspended simplified visa rules for European journalists.

Note: Dozens of named foreign correspondents were barred from entering the country by law and by sanction, not merely excluded from one building or briefing.

Sustained 16 June 2022 · 4 sources · Full entry

HUHungaryRSF 2026 rank: 74th of 180

10 March 2026Viktor Orban

A mayor from Hungary's ruling Fidesz party physically removed two Telex journalists from a campaign forum in a community center, covering their camera lens and pushing them out after they declined to leave what he called a closed event.

Note: A government official used physical force to remove and bar named reporters from an event, rather than only denying a credential or building pass.

Ongoing 10 March 2026 · 3 sources · Full entry

All ladders · Access bans: by country and year · The United States chapter