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Press Freedom Day

On this Press Freedom Day, it’s important to remember the growing number of journalists being detained or imprisoned for their work. Reporters Without Borders reports that the number of journalists detained on December 1st, 2022 was a staggering 533, and this figure has been steadily increasing since 2001.

China remains the country with the highest number of imprisoned journalists, with 99 being held in detention, along with 11 in Hong Kong. The Chinese government’s tightening of media controls and censorship has led to the arrest of journalists who have reported on sensitive issues.

Similarly, while the number of journalists detained in Turkey has decreased, this is not a reflection of an improvement in the country’s media freedom. President Erdogan’s government has been known for stifling criticism and dissenting voices, and many journalists are still facing trials or appeals that could lead to their imprisonment.

The brutal murder of Jamal Khashoggi in Saudi Arabia exposed the country’s dangerous attitude towards critical journalism. As of 2022, 26 journalists remain in prison in the kingdom.

It’s also important to note that many journalist murders take place outside of work, often in front of their families. Identifying and holding those accountable for these crimes remains a challenge.

US President Joe Biden has praised the “absolute courage” of Evan Gershkovich, the US journalist detained in Russia on espionage charges, and reiterated calls on Moscow for his immediate release.

The US president said the Wall Street Journal reporter, who is the first correspondent since the cold war to be detained in Russia on spying charges, sought to “shed light on the darkness” of the country and said American efforts to get him home would not cease.

On this Press Freedom Day, we must stand in solidarity with journalists around the world who risk their lives to bring us the truth. Governments must do more to protect the rights of journalists and ensure that their freedom to report is not impeded by censorship or imprisonment.

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