Two-Thirds of the World is Corrupt: Transparency International

Two-thirds of the countries around the world are considered corrupt, the Transparency International (TI) determined in their annual report, ‘Corruption Perceptions Index.’

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On a scale of zero to 100, zero being highly corrupt, of the 180 countries and territories surveyed, the majority scored below 50 with the average score riding at a disappointing 43.

However, this year, the TI added a third layer to their global analysis, adding the rates of violence perpetrated against members of the press.

According to their research, those countries with the "worst rates of corruption" also had the lowest protection of the press and non-governmental organizations (NGO’s). Additionally, the majority of those journalists killed since 2012 were killed in corrupt countries.

The report went on to add that, using data from the Committee to Protect Journalists, nine out of 10 journalists died in countries which scored 45 or less while one-fifth of those assassinated killed while covering a story on corruption.

TI Managing Director Patricia Moreira said, "Given current crackdowns on both civil society and the media worldwide, we need to do more to protect those who speak up."

Brazil, Mexico, and Guatemala fell below average in this year’s report with ratings of 27, 29, and 28. Interestingly, all three nations have struggled with attacks against journalists in last ten years. Researchers used Brazil as a prime example, stating that in the last six years, there have been 20 journalists killed in connection with their work.

However in the last year alone, there 11 Guatemalan journalists were murdered, a total of 36 media personnel killed since the year 2000. While in Mexico, 13 journalists died in connection to their work and the nation has been called the “most dangerous place in the world for journalists.”

"Smear campaigns, harassment, lawsuits and bureaucratic red tape are all tools used by certain governments in an effort to quiet those who drive anti-corruption efforts," Moreira said.

The organization is calling on governments that "hide behind restrictive laws" to eliminate the laws and open opportunities for further civic participation. To reduce civic involvement is to allow corruption to fester and grow and risk "the very essence of democracy and freedom," TI Chairwoman Delia Ferreira Rubio said.