According to a report by a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO), more than 360 journalists were imprisoned around the world in 2024. China and Israel were named as the countries with the most cases of jailing journalists.
This data shows the continued suppression of press freedom in different parts of the world. In China, many journalists have been arrested for allegedly violating laws related to state security, while in Israel, journalists have been arrested amid regional conflicts. These include reports of the silencing of reporters covering controversial issues such as human rights, corruption, and political unrest.
According to the report, the number of jailed journalists is higher compared to previous years, a proof of the worsening situation of press freedom. Besides China and Israel, among the countries with a high number of cases are Iran, Myanmar, and Turkey. They are known to use strict laws to control the media and punish critics of the government.
The NGO also noted that most detainees endure harsh conditions in prisons, where some are subjected to cruelty, inhumane treatment, and sometimes inadequate court processes.
The NGO urged the international community to act to end this trend. They said it is important to support journalists at risk and ensure that the right to free press is protected in all corners of the world. They added that the violation of freedom of the press is not only an issue of journalists but of the whole society, because free media is important for democracy and accountability.
Despite the challenges, many journalists remain steadfast in their commitment to report the truth and provide information to the public. Their courage inspires the fight for press freedom amid mounting challenges around the world.
