Journalists Imprisoned in 2025

Human Rights • Press
May 3, 2026

Data Visualisation & Graphics: Shaza Al Muzayen
Editor: Sakina Mohamed

May 3, 2026 (Bernama) -- More than 300 journalists were behind bars for the fifth year in a row as of December 1, 2025, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ).

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Behind that number is a wider pattern of repression, including the use of anti-state charges, long detentions and harsh prison conditions.

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This World Press Freedom Day, we look at what CPJ’s latest prison census reveals about the growing risks faced by journalists simply for doing their job.

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This explainer can also be viewed on our Instagram page.

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