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2021 Record High for Number of Imprisoned Journalists: CPJ

The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) on Thursday said repressive regimes from Asia to Europe and to Africa cracked down harshly on the independent press, making 2021 a record high for imprisoned journalists.

The number of imprisoned journalists reached a global high in 2021, CPJ said in a new report, with at least 293 reporters jailed worldwide as of December 1st.

CPJ has said China was the worst jailer for reporters. “At least 293 journalists are behind bars worldwide, with China as the worst jailer,” CPJ said.

According to CJP, China imprisoned 50 journalists, the most of any country, followed by Myanmar (26), Egypt (25), Vietnam (23) and Belarus (19).

CPJ has also said that at least 24 journalists were killed because of their work this year, and 18 others died in circumstances that make it difficult to determine whether they were targeted because of their work.

In Afghanistan, according to CPJ, four journalists were killed as of December 1.

“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.”

According to CPJ, the reasons behind the jailing of reporters varies from country to country, but the record number reflects political upheaval around the world.  

2021 Record High for Number of Imprisoned Journalists: CPJ

CPJ said the number of journalists who lost their lives for their coverage has reached 42 globally.

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The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) on Thursday said repressive regimes from Asia to Europe and to Africa cracked down harshly on the independent press, making 2021 a record high for imprisoned journalists.

The number of imprisoned journalists reached a global high in 2021, CPJ said in a new report, with at least 293 reporters jailed worldwide as of December 1st.

CPJ has said China was the worst jailer for reporters. “At least 293 journalists are behind bars worldwide, with China as the worst jailer,” CPJ said.

According to CJP, China imprisoned 50 journalists, the most of any country, followed by Myanmar (26), Egypt (25), Vietnam (23) and Belarus (19).

CPJ has also said that at least 24 journalists were killed because of their work this year, and 18 others died in circumstances that make it difficult to determine whether they were targeted because of their work.

In Afghanistan, according to CPJ, four journalists were killed as of December 1.

“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.”

According to CPJ, the reasons behind the jailing of reporters varies from country to country, but the record number reflects political upheaval around the world.  

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