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January 17, 2025 – General –
In 2024, 361 journalists were imprisoned worldwide, marking one of the highest numbers ever recorded, according to a report by the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ). The three worst offenders were China, Israel, and Myanmar, each playing a leading role in the global crackdown on press freedom.
China topped the list with 50 journalists behind bars. Many were arrested under sweeping national security laws, especially in Xinjiang and Hong Kong. The government continues to target those reporting on human rights, political dissent, and minority issues. High-profile cases like Jimmy Lai, the founder of Apple Daily, reflect how the Chinese state uses legal tools to silence critical media.
Israel ranked second with 43 journalists detained, all of them Palestinian. These detentions occurred in the context of the ongoing war in Gaza, where media workers have faced increased arrests, interrogations, and accusations of incitement. Rights groups argue that Israel’s military and security apparatus has used arbitrary detention to silence Palestinian perspectives. This comes alongside a record number of journalists killed in Gaza, deepening concerns about press freedom.
Myanmar placed third, with 35 journalists imprisoned. Since the 2021 military coup, the regime has cracked down heavily on independent media. Journalists have been accused of terrorism and inciting unrest. Some have reportedly been tortured in Insein Prison, where political detainees are held in harsh conditions.
The CPJ report also highlighted other countries with high imprisonment rates, including Belarus (31) and Russia (30). Over 60% of imprisoned journalists globally faced charges related to “crimes against the state,” such as terrorism, fake news, or sedition, often used as pretexts to stifle independent reporting.
Reference –
In record year, China, Israel, and Myanmar are world’s leading jailers of journalists
Journalists Behind Bars: China, Israel & Myanmar the Worst Offenders in 2024
