New data shows there was a global high in 2021 when it comes to journalists behind bars. There are 293 journalists imprisoned as of December 1 this year, according to this report from the nonprofit Committee to Protect Journalists.

As part of its annual survey on media freedom and attacks on journalists, the CPJ reported on Thursday that at least 24 journalists were killed for their reports, and another 18 died under circumstances that made it impossible to determine whether they were targeted.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/broken-promises-taliban-resort-to-beating-journalists-in-name-of-free-media-412134">Broken promises? Taliban resort to beating journalists in name of 'free media'</a>

Although the reasons for jailing reporters vary by country, the record number underscores political turmoil around the globe and a growing intolerance for independent reporting, according to the nonprofit.

<img alt="Journalist imprisoned" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b4c5bbec-0860-44ed-a193-dfc0a7212c22" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/stories%20%285%29.jpg" />

"This is the sixth year in a row that CPJ has documented record numbers of journalists imprisoned around the world," said CPJ Executive Director Joel Simon in a statement.

"The number reflects two inextricable challenges – governments are determined to control and manage information, and they are increasingly brazen in their efforts to do so."

Journalists who died in 2021 include Danish Siddiqui, a photographer for Reuters who was killed by the Taliban in July, and Gustavo Sanchez Cabrera, who was killed by a gunman in Mexico in June.

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In 2021, China imprisoned 50 journalists, more than any other country, followed by Myanmar (26), which arrested journalists in response to its February 1 coup, then Egypt (25), Vietnam (23) and Belarus (19).

Also read |&nbsp;​​​​​​​<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/record-number-of-journalists-jailed-in-2020-china-leads-list-of-offenders-report-349920">Record number of journalists jailed in 2020, China leads list of offenders: Report</a>

For the first time, the CPJ's list includes journalists imprisoned in Hong Kong, the result of Beijing's 2020 national security law, which makes subversion, secession, terrorism, and collusion with foreign forces punishable by life imprisonment.

Among the Western hemisphere's deadliest countries for press freedom is Mexico, where journalists are often targeted when their work upsets criminal gangs or corrupt officials.

(With inputs from agencies)

New data shows there was a global high in 2021 when it comes to journalists behind bars. There are 293 journalists imprisoned as of December 1 this year, according to this report from the nonprofit Committee to Protect Journalists.

New data shows there was a global high in 2021 when it comes to journalists behind bars. There are 293 journalists imprisoned as of December 1 this year, according to this report from the nonprofit Committee to Protect Journalists. As part of its annual survey on media freedom and attacks on journalists, the CPJ reported on Thursday that at least 24 journalists were killed for their reports, and another 18 died under circumstances that made it impossible to determine whether they were targeted. Also read | Broken promises? Taliban resort to beating journalists in name of 'free media' Although the reasons for jailing reporters vary by country, the record number underscores political turmoil around the globe and a growing intolerance for independent reporting, according to the nonprofit. "This is the sixth year in a row that CPJ has documented record numbers of journalists imprisoned around the world," said CPJ Executive Director Joel Simon in a statement. "The number reflects two inextricable challenges – governments are determined to control and manage information, and they are increasingly brazen in their efforts to do so." Journalists who died in 2021 include Danish Siddiqui, a photographer for Reuters who was killed by the Taliban in July, and Gustavo Sanchez Cabrera, who was killed by a gunman in Mexico in June. In 2021, China imprisoned 50 journalists, more than any other country, followed by Myanmar (26), which arrested journalists in response to its February 1 coup, then Egypt (25), Vietnam (23) and Belarus (19). Also read | Record number of journalists jailed in 2020, China leads list of offenders: Report For the first time, the CPJ's list includes journalists imprisoned in Hong Kong, the result of Beijing's 2020 national security law, which makes subversion, secession, terrorism, and collusion with foreign forces punishable by life imprisonment. Among the Western hemisphere's deadliest countries for press freedom is Mexico, where journalists are often targeted when their work upsets criminal gangs or corrupt officials. (With inputs from agencies)

2021 saw a record number of journalists imprisoned, China leads list of offenders: CPJ Report

A day after reports emerged of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/abducted-pakistan-journalist-gul-bukhari-returns-home-142485">Gul Bukhari </a>being summoned by Pakistan's anti-terrorism squad, the London-based activist hit back at authorities with a cryptic tweet.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/latest-south-asia-news-pakistani-activist-gul-bukhari-threatened-with-terror-charges-280220">Also Read:&nbsp;Pakistan's anti-terror wing summons activist Gul Bukhari</a>

"I’m a terrorist. Please fear me," <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-army-denies-abducting-british-activist-143352">Gul Bukhari</a> said in a tweet, adding,"the terrorist," with an emoji while taking a dig&nbsp;at Pakistan&nbsp;officials.

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I’m a terrorist. Please fear me.
— Gul Bukhari (@GulBukhari) <a href="https://twitter.com/GulBukhari/status/1227656347522564098?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 12, 2020</a></blockquote>
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"Committee to protect journalists, CPJ, slams the Pakistan government over slapping terrorism charges on me," she said in her tweet.

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The terrorist. 😂 <a href="https://t.co/DhftobdFVu">https://t.co/DhftobdFVu</a>
— Gul Bukhari (@GulBukhari) <a href="https://twitter.com/GulBukhari/status/1227655080805117954?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 12, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The anti-terror wing had accused the activist of harbouring anti-Pakistan agenda, being a part of a cyber-terrorism ring and being associated with the Haqqani network and the Balochistan Liberation army.&nbsp;

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Committee to Protect Journalists, CPJ, slams the Pakistan government over slapping terrorism charges on me. <a href="https://t.co/tXRuForbGQ">https://t.co/tXRuForbGQ</a>
— Gul Bukhari (@GulBukhari) <a href="https://twitter.com/GulBukhari/status/1227654052655267840?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 12, 2020</a></blockquote>
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According to the summon,&nbsp;Bukhari's property can be confiscated if she does not respond in the next 30 days.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/abducted-pakistan-journalist-gul-bukhari-returns-home-142485">Also Read: Abducted Pakistan journalist Gul Bukhari returns home</a>

Bukhari has been a strong critic of the Pakistan army and has consistently questioned the extra-constitutional influence that the army has had over the civilian government in Pakistan.

Two years ago Bukhari was abducted by an unidentified group of people but was released later. She is now based in London.&nbsp;

A day after reports emerged of Gul Bukhari being summoned by Pakistan's anti-terrorism squad, the London-based activist hit back at authorities with a cryptic tweet.

A day after reports emerged of Gul Bukhari being summoned by Pakistan's anti-terrorism squad, the London-based activist hit back at authorities with a cryptic tweet. Also Read: Pakistan's anti-terror wing summons activist Gul Bukhari "I’m a terrorist. Please fear me," Gul Bukhari said in a tweet, adding,"the terrorist," with an emoji while taking a dig at Pakistan officials. I’m a terrorist. Please fear me. — Gul Bukhari (@GulBukhari) February 12, 2020 × "Committee to protect journalists, CPJ, slams the Pakistan government over slapping terrorism charges on me," she said in her tweet. The terrorist. 😂 https://t.co/DhftobdFVu — Gul Bukhari (@GulBukhari) February 12, 2020 × The anti-terror wing had accused the activist of harbouring anti-Pakistan agenda, being a part of a cyber-terrorism ring and being associated with the Haqqani network and the Balochistan Liberation army. Committee to Protect Journalists, CPJ, slams the Pakistan government over slapping terrorism charges on me. https://t.co/tXRuForbGQ — Gul Bukhari (@GulBukhari) February 12, 2020 × According to the summon, Bukhari's property can be confiscated if she does not respond in the next 30 days. Also Read: Abducted Pakistan journalist Gul Bukhari returns home Bukhari has been a strong critic of the Pakistan army and has consistently questioned the extra-constitutional influence that the army has had over the civilian government in Pakistan. Two years ago Bukhari was abducted by an unidentified group of people but was released later. She is now based in London.

I'm a terrorist, please fear me, says Pak activist Gul Bukhari after anti-terror wing summon

Rights organisations have slammed Pakistani authorities after a member of a leading media watchdog was denied entry to the country, calling the move a "slap in the face to those concerned about press freedom".

Immigration officials at Lahore airport Thursday told Steven Butler -- the Asia programme coordinator of The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) -- he was on an Interior Ministry "stop list", the rights group said.

Butler had travelled to Pakistan on a valid visa to attend a human rights conference in Lahore, according to CPJ and organisers of the event.&nbsp;

After arriving in the country, Pakistani officials confiscated his travel documents and Bulter was put on a plane back to Doha and later to Washington, CPJ said. &nbsp;&nbsp;

"Pakistani authorities' move to block Steven Butler from entering the country is baffling and is a slap in the face to those concerned about press freedom in the country," said Joel Simon, CPJ’s executive director, said in a statement.&nbsp;

"If the government is interested in demonstrating its commitment to a free press, it should conduct a swift and transparent investigation into this case."

Last year, Butler had authored a CPJ report warning that the powerful Pakistani military had "quietly, but effectively, set restrictions on reporting".

Pakistan's ministry of interior and information both refused to comment on the case when contacted by AFP.&nbsp;

Brad Adams, executive director of Human Rights Watch's Asia division, called the move "alarming" and demanded the government "reverse the decision and take urgent steps towards providing an enabling environment for free expression".

The organiser of the event also voiced concerns. &nbsp;

"The theme of this year's conference itself was freedom of expression. If they are doing this to a member of a media watchdog what else is left?" said Munizae Jahangir, an organiser of the Asma Jahangir Conference-Roadmap for Human Rights in Pakistan. &nbsp;

The move comes amid growing complaints from the media in Pakistan that they have been subjected to increasing censorship and pressure following the election of Prime Minister Imran Khan in 2018.&nbsp;

Earlier this week Pakistani news outlet Geo announced that they were unable to broadcast a press conference of a leading opposition member after receiving a warning from regulatory authorities.&nbsp;

"Broadcasts in today's Pakistan are arbitrarily suspended in a manner better suited to repressive regimes where 'autonomous' regulatory authorities are in reality a handmaiden of the state," read an editorial in the Pakistani daily Dawn on Friday in response to the incident.

Pakistan routinely ranks among the world's most dangerous countries for media workers, and reporters have frequently been detained, beaten and even killed for being critical of the government or the powerful military.

In recent years the space for dissent has shrunk further, with the government announcing a crackdown on social networks and traditional media houses decrying pressure from authorities they say has resulted in widespread self-censorship. 
&nbsp;

Rights organisations have slammed Pakistani authorities after a member of a leading media watchdog was denied entry to the country, calling the move a "slap in the face to those concerned about press freedom".

Rights organisations have slammed Pakistani authorities after a member of a leading media watchdog was denied entry to the country, calling the move a "slap in the face to those concerned about press freedom". Immigration officials at Lahore airport Thursday told Steven Butler -- the Asia programme coordinator of The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) -- he was on an Interior Ministry "stop list", the rights group said. Butler had travelled to Pakistan on a valid visa to attend a human rights conference in Lahore, according to CPJ and organisers of the event. After arriving in the country, Pakistani officials confiscated his travel documents and Bulter was put on a plane back to Doha and later to Washington, CPJ said. "Pakistani authorities' move to block Steven Butler from entering the country is baffling and is a slap in the face to those concerned about press freedom in the country," said Joel Simon, CPJ’s executive director, said in a statement. "If the government is interested in demonstrating its commitment to a free press, it should conduct a swift and transparent investigation into this case." Last year, Butler had authored a CPJ report warning that the powerful Pakistani military had "quietly, but effectively, set restrictions on reporting". Pakistan's ministry of interior and information both refused to comment on the case when contacted by AFP. Brad Adams, executive director of Human Rights Watch's Asia division, called the move "alarming" and demanded the government "reverse the decision and take urgent steps towards providing an enabling environment for free expression". The organiser of the event also voiced concerns. "The theme of this year's conference itself was freedom of expression. If they are doing this to a member of a media watchdog what else is left?" said Munizae Jahangir, an organiser of the Asma Jahangir Conference-Roadmap for Human Rights in Pakistan. The move comes amid growing complaints from the media in Pakistan that they have been subjected to increasing censorship and pressure following the election of Prime Minister Imran Khan in 2018. Earlier this week Pakistani news outlet Geo announced that they were unable to broadcast a press conference of a leading opposition member after receiving a warning from regulatory authorities. "Broadcasts in today's Pakistan are arbitrarily suspended in a manner better suited to repressive regimes where 'autonomous' regulatory authorities are in reality a handmaiden of the state," read an editorial in the Pakistani daily Dawn on Friday in response to the incident. Pakistan routinely ranks among the world's most dangerous countries for media workers, and reporters have frequently been detained, beaten and even killed for being critical of the government or the powerful military. In recent years the space for dissent has shrunk further, with the government announcing a crackdown on social networks and traditional media houses decrying pressure from authorities they say has resulted in widespread self-censorship.

Rights groups slam Pakistan after media watchdog member denied entry

Egyptian authorities arrested three journalists on September 26 while conducting interviews near the Journalists&#39; Syndicate in Cairo, the Committee to Protect Journalists&nbsp;said.&nbsp;

The three scribes &mdash;&nbsp;Hamdy Mokhtar, Mohamed Hassan, and Osama al-Bishbishi&nbsp;&mdash;&nbsp;were interviewing people on the street about President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi&#39;s proposal to donate their spare money to fund national projects.&nbsp;

According to CPJ, the journalists complained to their lawyers of being beaten and electrocuted during interrogation by Egypt&#39;s domestic intelligence agency.

&quot;Mokhtar had shown the worst signs of physical abuse, with visible bruises to his neck and back,&quot; the journalists&#39;&nbsp;lawyer&nbsp;Nourhan Hassan said.

Another reporter&nbsp;Noura Nasser, who was covering a protest in downtown Cairo, was arrested on September 27. All four were charged with&nbsp;&quot;publishing false news&quot;.

CPJ executive director Joel Simon said, &quot;The delusion that jailing journalists on charges of reporting &#39;false news&#39; for interviewing people on the street or photographing a protest will change reality is a false hope.

We call on Egyptian authorities to drop all charges against journalists Hamdy Mokhtar, Mohamed Hassan, and Osama al-Bishbishi, and Noura Nasser without delay.&quot;

The Egyptian government, however, has refuted that the journalists were detained for &quot;publishing false news&quot;, although no official has come on record to specify the grounds for arrest.&nbsp;

The three journalists work for different organisations. Hamdy Mokhtar is a freelance photographer working with el-Shaab el-Jadeed, a pro-Muslim Brotherhood newspaper.&nbsp;

Osama Al-Bishbishi is a photographer and cameraman with Baladi website and Mohamed Hassan worked with news website al-Naba&#39;a.

According to al-Naba&#39;a, the journalists were not given any reason for their arrest.&nbsp;

Egyptian press freedom group, Journalists Against Torture Observatory, were informed by the journalists&nbsp;lawyers&nbsp;Fatema Serag and Nourhan Hassan that they had been interrogated all night on September 27, and the next morning the authorities charged them for &quot;belonging to a banned organisation, inciting violence and terrorism online, and publishing false news&quot;.

They have been put in custody for 15 days. They will be put on trial after that.

The crackdown on journalists started in 2013&nbsp;when press freedom was curbed after the&nbsp;military coup. Since then, 23 reporters have been arrested in Egypt as per CPJ data.&nbsp;

In Egypt, reportage can only be done in events permitted by the government or pro-government media agencies.&nbsp;

(WION)

 
&nbsp;

Egyptian police detained the journalists for 'belonging to a banned organisation, inciting terrorism online, and publishing false news'

Egyptian authorities arrested three journalists on September 26 while conducting interviews near the Journalists' Syndicate in Cairo, the Committee to Protect Journalists said. The three scribes — Hamdy Mokhtar, Mohamed Hassan, and Osama al-Bishbishi — were interviewing people on the street about President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi's proposal to donate their spare money to fund national projects. According to CPJ, the journalists complained to their lawyers of being beaten and electrocuted during interrogation by Egypt's domestic intelligence agency. "Mokhtar had shown the worst signs of physical abuse, with visible bruises to his neck and back," the journalists' lawyer Nourhan Hassan said. Another reporter Noura Nasser, who was covering a protest in downtown Cairo, was arrested on September 27. All four were charged with "publishing false news". CPJ executive director Joel Simon said, "The delusion that jailing journalists on charges of reporting 'false news' for interviewing people on the street or photographing a protest will change reality is a false hope. We call on Egyptian authorities to drop all charges against journalists Hamdy Mokhtar, Mohamed Hassan, and Osama al-Bishbishi, and Noura Nasser without delay." The Egyptian government, however, has refuted that the journalists were detained for "publishing false news", although no official has come on record to specify the grounds for arrest. The three journalists work for different organisations. Hamdy Mokhtar is a freelance photographer working with el-Shaab el-Jadeed, a pro-Muslim Brotherhood newspaper. Osama Al-Bishbishi is a photographer and cameraman with Baladi website and Mohamed Hassan worked with news website al-Naba'a. According to al-Naba'a, the journalists were not given any reason for their arrest. Egyptian press freedom group, Journalists Against Torture Observatory, were informed by the journalists lawyers Fatema Serag and Nourhan Hassan that they had been interrogated all night on September 27, and the next morning the authorities charged them for "belonging to a banned organisation, inciting violence and terrorism online, and publishing false news". They have been put in custody for 15 days. They will be put on trial after that. The crackdown on journalists started in 2013 when press freedom was curbed after the military coup. Since then, 23 reporters have been arrested in Egypt as per CPJ data. In Egypt, reportage can only be done in events permitted by the government or pro-government media agencies. (WION)

Egypt: Four journalists arrested, 'electrocuted' for conducting vox pop