menu
Weekly Online Magazine
ISSN 2544-5839
zamknij
Work In Media

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.

SELF PROMOTION. Got a minute? Find out our #59sec REPORT on Youtube

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 Al Fatat. 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

User Generated Content. A minefield for journalists and media

Krzysztof Fiedorek
Over 40% of internet users judge information credibility by likes and views. Only 20% use traditional news channels as a main and first source. A Reuters Institute report highlights the scale and risks of User Generated Content and offers advice on how media can avoid falling into its trap.

Social Media in 2025. Generational Differences Are Crystal Clear

KFi
More and more people are saying they’re cutting back on time spent on social media. And while this doesn’t mean a mass exodus, the trend is clear. According to latest GWI report, 31% of users said they had reduced their social media use. There’s also a subtle frustration.

Can a Robot Be Good Boss? Researchers from SWPS Look for Answers

SWPS
A robot giving orders at work is no longer a science fiction scenario - it's a research topic. Scientists from SWPS University in Poland set out to find out whether a robot can effectively manage human workers.


See articles on a similar topic:

Influencers 2024. Data, Facts, and Stories from the UNESCO Report

Krzysztof Fiedorek
As many as 68% of digital creators are nano-influencers. One in three has experienced hate speech, and over 60% do not thoroughly verify information before publishing. Moreover, only half disclose their content sponsors. The findings from the "Behind The Screens" report are both inspiring and alarming.

Milgram Experiment 2023. AI Can Encourage Violence

KrzysztoF
Researchers from SWPS University replicated the famous Milgram experiment, in which participants were instructed to inflict pain on another person under the authority’s command. This time, the authority was a robot. It’s the first study showing that people are willing to harm another person when a robot commands them to do so.

Poles on the Internet. RegionyNEXERY 2024 Report

KFi
The Internet not only connects people but also changes their daily habits in ways that seemed unattainable just a few years ago. Over 40% of Poles work remotely, and IoT devices are gaining popularity in rural areas. The #RegionyNEXERY 2024 report reveals surprising facts about the digital reality.

Equality and Diversity in Media: European Broadcasting Union Report

KFi
European public media are increasingly focusing on diversity, equality, and inclusion (DEI) as the foundation of their operations. Public broadcasters in Europe are implementing diversity strategies - both in content and within their teams. The findings from the report are clear: although progress is visible, many challenges remain.

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

Media Review 24/7





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

follow us 👉 on Youtube
Watch more 👇
#59sec REPORT SHORTS
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 The 40-Day Social Media Fast
The 40-Day Social Media Fast
Okładka Social Media Marketing All-in-One For Dummies
Social Media Marketing All-in-One For Dummies
Okładka Beyond The Feed: A Social Media Success Formula
Beyond The Feed: A Social Media Success Formula
Okładka Trust Me, I`m Lying: Confessions of a Media Manipulator
Trust Me, I`m Lying: Confessions of a Media Manipulator
more books and e-books

Reporterzy.info

More about us

Our tools and services

Contact


© Dwornik.pl Bartłomiej Dwornik 2oo1-2o25