Number Of Jailed Journalists Remains High

The Committee to Protect Journalists reported that 361 journalists were imprisoned as of December 1, 2024, due to their work. This number is the second highest on record since the organization started collecting data in 1992. The highest number of imprisoned journalists was recorded in 2022, with at least 369 journalists incarcerated. The 2024 figure does not include journalists who were jailed and released throughout the year. China had the largest number of journalists behind bars, with 50 imprisoned as of December 1, 2024. However, this number is likely a low estimate due to censorship making it difficult to determine the exact number of imprisoned journalists. The next top countries for jailing journalists were Israel, Myanmar, Belarus, and Russia, with 43, 35, 31, and 30 journalists imprisoned, respectively. These five countries accounted for more than half of the global total of imprisoned journalists, with 53 percent of the total. The data highlights the ongoing risks and challenges faced by journalists around the world, particularly in countries with restrictive media environments. The imprisonment of journalists is a significant concern, as it can have a chilling effect on freedom of expression and the ability of journalists to report on important issues.