Alarming Rise in Journalists’ Imprisonment, says Committee to Protect Journalists

Newsreel Asia Insight #109
Jan. 20, 2024

The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has released its 2023 prison census, showing an alarming rise in the incarceration rates of journalists. This trend signals a systematic campaign by governments to suppress dissent and monopolise information dissemination. This phenomenon not only reflects the status of press freedom and democratic principles in individual countries but also carries extensive implications for human rights, the rule of law, the management of information, international relations, and societal involvement, profoundly affecting every citizen within those nations.

In Asia, the situation is particularly grim, according to the CPJ report.

China, with 44 journalists behind bars, continues to be one of the world’s most significant jailers of journalists. The majority are detained on anti-state charges such as espionage or inciting separatism, with a notable emphasis on Uighur journalists. The Uighurs are a predominantly Muslim ethnic minority group, primarily residing in the Xinjiang Uighur Autonomous Region, known for their distinct culture, language and history, but currently facing intense surveillance and human rights concerns under Chinese government policies. This represents a concerted effort by the Chinese government to control the narrative and silence any voices of dissent, especially regarding its treatment of ethnic minorities.

Myanmar’s landscape of press freedom has deteriorated drastically post the 2021 military coup. In 2023, at least 43 journalists were imprisoned. The military junta has aggressively pursued journalists under anti-state laws, leading to lengthy prison sentences. This repressive environment starkly contrasts with the country’s fleeting period of media liberalisation before the coup.

Vietnam, too, emerges as a significant jailer with 19 arrests in 2023, employing anti-state legislation to silence critical voices. The government of Vietnam operates under a one-party authoritarian regime, where the Communist Party maintains strict control over state affairs, media, and civil society, limiting political freedoms and dissent. The harsh conditions faced by journalists in Vietnamese prisons, coupled with the denial of basic necessities, underline the severity of the state’s approach towards dissenting media.

India, while holding a lower number of journalists, uses security laws to suppress critical reporting, reflecting a worrying trend in the world’s largest democracy. At least seven journalists were arrested in India in 2023: Aasif Sultan from Kashmir Narrator, freelance journalist Gautam Navlakha, freelance journalist Irfan Mehraj, freelance journalist Majid Hyderi, Prabir Purkayastha from NewsClick, freelance journalist Rupesh Kumar Singh, and Sajad Gul from The Kashmir Walla.

Globally, the census recorded 320 journalists jailed, the second-highest figure since CPJ began tracking this data in 1992. It represents a global shift towards authoritarianism and a concerted effort to smother independent journalism.

Countries like Russia and Iran have extended their repressive reach beyond their borders, issuing international arrest warrants for journalists, which is a chilling development in the transnational repression of free press.

Israel, traditionally not among the top jailers, has emerged as a significant incarcerator of journalists, primarily in the context of the Israel-Gaza conflict. The majority of these detentions occurred in the West Bank, indicating a targeted approach towards controlling the narrative in conflict zones.

The conditions faced by journalists in prisons worldwide are harrowing, according to the report, which says physical and sexual abuse, overcrowding and lack of medical care are common. This treatment not only violates basic human rights but also serves as a method of intimidation to silence other journalists.

Furthermore, the report adds, the control and restrictions on journalists often continue even after their release, severely impacting their freedom and ability to continue their work.

The increasing use of anti-state charges to jail journalists reflects a strategy to legitimise repression under the guise of national security. This tactic not only silences individual journalists but also instils fear in the media community, leading to self-censorship and a diluted public discourse.

Politically motivated imprisonment of journalists is often a tactic to control information and promote state propaganda. By silencing critical voices and restricting access to information, governments can manipulate public perception and maintain power.

When journalists are jailed, it typically indicates a move towards authoritarianism or at least a weakening of democratic norms and institutions.

The unjust incarceration of journalists raises serious concerns about human rights violations and the erosion of the rule of law. In many cases, these imprisonments occur without due process or in violation of international legal standards, reflecting a broader disregard for human rights within those political systems.

Further, how a country treats its journalists can impact its international relations and soft power. Nations that imprison journalists may face criticism, sanctions, or other diplomatic repercussions from other countries and international organisations. This can affect their global standing and influence.