Number of Jailed Journalists Hits 14-Year High

145 imprisoned worldwide, up 9 from 2009
By Kate Seamons,  Newser Staff
Posted Dec 9, 2010 9:14 AM CST
Number of Jailed Journalists Hits 14-Year High
Photojournalists demonstrate in front of a police station in Madrid, Monday, Sept. 20, 2010, against the detention of Spanish photojournalist Eduardo Leon.   (AP Photo/Victor R. Caivano)

The number of journalists imprisoned worldwide climbed by nine this year to 145, reaching a 14-year high, reports the Committee to Protect Journalists. Iran and China have the dubious honor of claiming nearly half that total, having each detained 34 journalists. They are joined by 26 other countries, including Eritrea, Myanmar, and Uzbekistan.

"The increase in the number of journalists jailed around the world is a shocking development,” said CPJ's executive director—especially considering Cuba freed 17 this year. "It is fueled largely by a small handful of countries that systematically jail journalists—countries that are at war with information itself." (More journalist stories.)

Get the news faster.
Tap to install our app.
X
Install the Newser News app
in two easy steps:
1. Tap in your navigation bar.
2. Tap to Add to Home Screen.

X