In 2021, journalists around the world faced dire threats to their lives and freedom. The number of reporters jailed for their work hit a new global record of 293 in CPJ’s 2021 prison census, up from a revised total of 280 in 2020. Also so far in 2021, at least 24 journalists were killed as a result of their coverage.
Of the 34 incidents of equipment damage captured in the U.S. Press Freedom Tracker database so far in 2021, at least 25 involved cameras or camera equipment; almost all of these followed harassment because the journalist was photographing or filming. In 2020, the Tracker documented more than 50 instances of damaged camera equipment. That doesn’t include the number of cell phones damaged since tracking began, many of which are used by journalists to film.
At least 30 journalists were killed this year, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists, with 21 slain as a direct result of their work. Above, children of the slain journalist Julio Valdivia stood by his coffin at their home in Tezonapa, Veracruz, Mexico, in September. (Felix Marquez/Associated Press)
According to the Oregon State Police and multiple media reports, a group of armed protesters broke windows and stormed the capitol while the state legislature was in session on Monday. Those assembled also attacked a photographer for the Salem Statesman General. One is heard on video telling the photographer, “I’m gonna f*ck you up,” as the journalist leaves.
Exclusives
Threats of “retribution,” more accusations of “fake news” and the end of the White House briefing made 2019 the darkest yet for journalists in the Trump era.
