menu
Weekly Online Magazine
ISSN 2544-5839
zamknij
Media Review image

20.01.2025 Media industry

Repression Against Media: Committee to Protect Journalists Report for 2024

Krzysztof Fiedorek

In 2024, at least 361 journalists worldwide were imprisoned, often for exposing the truth. In China, reporters are tracked using advanced facial recognition systems, in Israel, Palestinian journalists are jailed without trial, and in Myanmar, journalist Shin Daewe received a life sentence for... a drone.

Poczytaj artykuł wydanie polskie w wydaniu polskim

Repression Against Media: Committee to Protect Journalists Report for 2024illustration: Bing AI

Press freedom, considered a cornerstone of democratic societies, is increasingly under threat. The report "In Record Year, China, Israel, and Myanmar Are World’s Leading Jailers of Journalists," published by the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), provides alarming data on the persecution of journalists worldwide. By the end of 2024, at least 361 journalists were imprisoned globally, reflecting the worsening state of press freedom.

361 Journalists Behind Bars. What Do the Numbers Say?


Data from the CPJ report shows that 2024 recorded the second-highest number in history, following the record-breaking 370 journalists imprisoned in 2022. Despite a slight decrease in the global number of detainees, the situation has worsened in many countries. The worst statistics were reported in China, Israel, and Myanmar, which together account for nearly one-third of global cases.

Number of Journalists Imprisoned by Country in 2024

Rank Country Number of Journalists Imprisoned
1 China 50
2 Israel 43
3 Myanmar 35
4 Belarus 31
5 Russia 30
6 Egypt 17
7 Iran 16
7 Eritrea 16
7 Vietnam 16


These numbers illustrate the diverse strategies employed by regimes worldwide. In China, accusations of anti-state activities dominate, in Israel, administrative detentions are common, and in Myanmar, journalists often face military tribunals.

China. The World`s Leading Repressor


China remains the top jailer of journalists for yet another year. By the end of 2024, at least 50 media representatives were in Chinese prisons, although CPJ estimates this number could be much higher due to strict information censorship.

Most Notable Cases:

  • Sophia Huang Xueqin, a well-known journalist and activist, was sentenced to five years in prison for "inciting subversion of state power."
  • Qurban Mamut, former editor of a Uyghur magazine, is serving a 15-year sentence for "political crimes" related to publishing articles on human rights.

China employs an extensive technological surveillance system, monitoring journalists` communications and blocking access to information. In the Xinjiang region, repression against the Uyghur minority has reached new levels, also impacting independent media.


Israel. A Sharp Rise in Arrests


Israel, which a few years ago was not among the leading persecutors of journalists, ranked second in the CPJ list in 2024. A total of 43 journalists were detained there, many of them Palestinians. Most were arrested under administrative laws allowing detention without trial.

Reasons for Journalist Detentions in Israel

Reason for Detention Number of Cases
Administrative arrests 15
Terrorism-related charges 20
Other 8


Conditions in Israeli prisons leave much to be desired. According to the CPJ report, journalists face degradation and restricted access to legal assistance. Israel also uses legal measures, such as banning Al Jazeera from its territory, to limit coverage of conflicts in the Gaza Strip.

Myanmar. Repression Under Military Rule


Since the 2021 coup, Myanmar has remained among the top nations persecuting journalists. In 2024, 35 media representatives were imprisoned, many convicted under anti-terrorism laws.

Examples of Sentences:

  • Shin Daewe, an investigative journalist, was sentenced to life imprisonment for allegedly using a drone, considered an act of terrorism.
  • Sai Zaw Thaike, a reporter covering the aftermath of a cyclone, received a 20-year prison sentence for "incitement."

These repressions are part of the junta`s broader strategy to suppress any form of resistance to its rule.

Belarus and Russia. Authoritarianism in Eastern Europe


In Europe, repression of journalists is concentrated in Belarus and Russia. In Belarus, where Alexander Lukashenko’s regime has long used brutal measures against opposition, 31 journalists were imprisoned. In Russia, nearly half of the 30 detainees were Ukrainian journalists imprisoned in territories occupied by Moscow.

Comparison of Repressions:

  • Belarus: Journalists are imprisoned for covering protests or working in independent media. Many are convicted on charges of "extremism."
  • Russia: Repression affects not only Russian journalists but also those from Crimea and eastern Ukraine. Victims often face military tribunals.

SELF PROMOTION. Listen to the story of FORBES magazine. Discover our #mediaHISTORYpodcast

What Lies Ahead?


The outlook for press freedom in the coming years is alarming, but it depends on the actions of the international community, human rights organizations, and governments themselves. Several scenarios and forecasts emerge:

  • Increasing Use of Surveillance Technologies
    Authoritarian regimes will increasingly use digital technologies such as artificial intelligence, facial recognition systems, and advanced internet surveillance methods to monitor and silence independent voices. Countries like China may export their technological solutions to other states, strengthening global media control.
  • New Laws Restricting Freedom of Speech
    The adoption and reinforcement of anti-cyber, anti-terrorism, or "fake news" laws may be used as tools to penalize independent journalism. This trend is evident in countries like Russia, Egypt, and Bangladesh, with similar regulations potentially emerging elsewhere.
  • Increased Pressure on Journalists in Conflict Zones
    Armed conflicts, such as the war in Ukraine or tensions in the Gaza Strip, will continue to increase the risk of repression against reporters. Journalists covering such events may face both physical and legal attacks.
  • International Community Response
    Human rights organizations such as CPJ or Reporters Without Borders will continue efforts to defend journalists. Diplomatic pressure on regimes violating human rights and the implementation of international sanctions against perpetrators of repression will be critical.
  • Growing Role of Journalists in Exile
    More journalists may choose to work abroad to avoid repression in their own countries. The importance of independent media operating in exile is likely to grow, providing uncensored reporting.

Despite grim predictions, hope lies in advancing technologies enabling anonymous journalism and increasing international awareness of the need to protect press freedom. Much, however, depends on global solidarity and the response of democratic nations to these challenges.

* * *

The report, prepared by the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), presents data on journalists imprisoned for their work as of December 1, 2024. It includes cases confirmed to be related to journalistic activities, excluding missing persons or those held by non-state entities. CPJ applies rigorous criteria based on documentation, reports from local and international organizations, and interviews with victims’ families.
The full material is available for free at https://cpj.org/

Share the article:

dodaj na Facebook prześlij przez Messenger dodaj na Twitter dodaj na LinkedIn

COMMERCIAL BREAK
Work In Media

New articles in section Media industry

Greenwashing storms media in Poland. Business feel the impact too

BDw
A surge in media coverage reveals a new reality: ESG isn't just a corporate responsibility buzzword anymore - it's a battlefield. According to the Institute of Media Monitoring (IMM), Polish media mentioned "greenwashing" in 619 publications and "eco-hypocrisy" in another 545 in Q1 2025.

Algorithmic personalization study. Who and how understands digital media

KFi
Most internet users believe that everyone sees the same content online. Meanwhile, algorithms personalize messages so effectively that a young woman with higher education receives different information than her father. Researchers reveal who truly understands the mechanisms.

Digital media addiction. Why the brain can’t cope

KFi
Digital media can hijack the brain's reward system in ways similar to drugs and alcohol, warned psychiatrist and author Anna Lembke. She emphasized that compulsive use of digital platforms can become a serious addiction. Not just a bad habit or risky behavior.


See articles on a similar topic:

Decline in Trust in Media. Analysis of the Reuters Digital News Report 2024

Krzysztof Fiedorek
The “Digital News Report 2024” by the Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism highlights alarming trends concerning the declining interest in news and decreasing trust in media. These changes are not temporary but have become a long-term trend.

We Trust AI-Generated Fake News More Than Human-Created News

KrzysztoF
Generating and spreading misinformation with AI can negatively affect various areas of life, including global healthcare. To examine how AI-created text impacts the comprehension of information, researchers from the University of Zurich analyzed tweets generated by GPT-3.

Video Games Drive Europe. Record Number of Players in 2023

BARD
The video game market in Europe reached a value of €25.7 billion in 2023, marking a 5% increase compared to the previous year. Video Games Europe and the European Games Developer Federation released the report "All About Video Games – European Key Facts 2023".

Clickbait Uncovered. How Online Headlines Evolved Over 25 Years

Krzysztof Fiedorek
Researchers from the Max Planck Institute analyzed 40 million headlines from the past 25 years. They are getting longer, more emotional, and negative, with a clear influence of clickbait style. Even reputable media use strategies and tricks to grab attention.

More in the section: Media industry

community

Facebook LinkedIn X Twitter TikTok Instagram Threads Youtube Google News Blue Sky Social RSS

Reporterzy.info - online media studies magazine. The world of communication from the inside. Media, journalism, PR and marketing. Data, reports, analyses, advice. History and market, law, photography, job offers.


Work in media

United States
New York • Washington DC • Los Angeles • Chicago • Houston • Phoenix • Philadelphia United Kingdom
London • Birmingham • Manchester • Liverpool • Glasgow • Edinburgh Canada
Toronto • Ottawa • Montreal • Calgary Australia
Sydney • Melbourne • Brisbane • canberra Ireland, New Zealand, India

advertisement

Flying Tiger





Reporter shopping

Reporter shopping

Affordable laptops, notebooks and netbooks
Affordable laptops, notebooks and netbooks
for writing
Digital SLR and compact cameras
Digital SLR and compact cameras
for photographers
Books and e-books about media
Books and e-books about media
for reading
Video drones and flying cameras
Video drones and flying cameras
for pilots
Gimbals for stabilizing video
Gimbals for stabilizing video
for those on the move
Software and apps for creative work
Software and apps for creative work
for digital creators
More occasions

advertisementMedia Review 24/7
Read books and e-books

Read books and e-books

Okładka Understanding Media: The Extensions of Man
Understanding Media: The Extensions of Man
Okładka Media Control. The Spectacular Achievements of Propaganda
Media Control. The Spectacular Achievements of Propaganda
Okładka Social Media Marketing All-in-One For Dummies
Social Media Marketing All-in-One For Dummies
Okładka Mass Communication: Living in a Media World
Mass Communication: Living in a Media World
Okładka Trust Me, I`m Lying: Confessions of a Media Manipulator
Trust Me, I`m Lying: Confessions of a Media Manipulator
Okładka Hate, Inc.: Why Today`s Media Makes Us Despise One Another
Hate, Inc.: Why Today`s Media Makes Us Despise One Another
more books and e-books

Reporterzy.info

More about us

Our tools and services

Contact


© Dwornik.pl Bartłomiej Dwornik 2oo1-2o25