REPORTERS WITHOUT BORDERS
Annual Overview
Deadliest year for journalists
since Reporters Without Borders began producing its annual roundup in 1995
2012 in numbers
88 journalists killed (+33%)
879 journalists arrested 1993 journalists threatened or physically attacked
38 journalists kidnapped
73 journalists fled their country
6 media assistants killed
47 netizens and citizen-journalists killed
144 bloggers and netizens arrested
88 journalists killed (+33%)
879 journalists arrested 1993 journalists threatened or physically attacked
38 journalists kidnapped
73 journalists fled their country
6 media assistants killed
47 netizens and citizen-journalists killed
144 bloggers and netizens arrested
This year has been exceptionally deadly,
with a 33 per cent rise in the number of journalists killed in connection with
their work over 2011. The worst-hit regions were the Middle East and Northern
Africa (with 26 killed), Asia (24 killed) and sub-Saharan Africa (21 killed).
Only the western hemisphere registered a fall in the number of journalists
killed.
This is the worst set of figures since
Reporters Without Borders began producing an annual roundup in 1995. The number
of journalists murdered or killed was 67 in 2011, 58 in 2010 and 75 in 2009.
The previous record was in 2007, when 87 were killed. The 88 journalists killed
in 2012 lost their lives while covering wars or bombings, or were murdered by
groups linked to organized crime (including drug trafficking), by Islamist
militias or on the orders of corrupt officials.
“The reason for the unprecedented number of
journalists killed in 2012 is mainly the war in Syria, the chaos in Somalia and
Taliban violence in Pakistan,” Reporters Without Borders secretary-general
Christophe Deloire said. “The impunity enjoyed by those responsible for
violations of human rights, in particular, the right to freedom of information,
encourages the continuation of these violations.”
The victims were news providers of all
kinds. Citizen-journalists and netizens have been hit hard – 47 killed in 2012
compared with 5 in 2011 – especially in Syria. These men and women act as
reporters, photographers and video-journalists, documenting their day-to-day
lives and the government’s crackdown on its opponents. Without their
activities, the Syrian regime would be able to impose a complete news blackout
on certain regions and continue massacring in secret.
To compile these figures, Reporters Without
Borders used the detailed information it gathered in the course of its
monitoring of violations of freedom of information throughout the year. The
victims were journalists or netizens who were killed in connection with the
collection and dissemination of news and information. Reporters Without Borders
did not include cases of journalists and netizens who were killed solely in
connection with their political or civil society activism, or for other reasons
unrelated to the provision of news and information. Reporters Without Borders
continues to investigate other cases in which it has so far been unable to get
all the information it needs in order to take a decision.
The five deadliest countries for journalists
Despite
the UN Security Council’s adoption of Resolution 1738 in 2006, stressing the
need to protect journalists in dangerous areas, violence against journalists,
above all the killing of journalists, continues to be one of the biggest
threats to freedom of expression.
Syria – cemetery for news providers
At least 17 journalists, 44 citizen-journalists and 4 media assistants killed in 2012
Bashar Al-Assad’s bloody crackdown in Syria has hit news providers hard because they are the unwanted witnesses of the atrocities being committed by a regime with its back to the wall. Journalists have also been targeted by armed opposition groups, which are increasingly intolerant of criticism and ready to brand journalists as spies if they fail to reflect their views. Because of the polarization of information sources, news manipulation, propaganda, technical constraints and the extreme violence to which journalists and citizen-journalists are exposed, anyone trying to gather or disseminate news and information in Syria needs a real sense of vocation.
At least 17 journalists, 44 citizen-journalists and 4 media assistants killed in 2012
Bashar Al-Assad’s bloody crackdown in Syria has hit news providers hard because they are the unwanted witnesses of the atrocities being committed by a regime with its back to the wall. Journalists have also been targeted by armed opposition groups, which are increasingly intolerant of criticism and ready to brand journalists as spies if they fail to reflect their views. Because of the polarization of information sources, news manipulation, propaganda, technical constraints and the extreme violence to which journalists and citizen-journalists are exposed, anyone trying to gather or disseminate news and information in Syria needs a real sense of vocation.
Black year for Somalia
18 journalists killed in 2012 in this Horn of Africa country
Twice as many journalists were killed in Somalia in 2012 as in 2009, until now the deadliest year for media personnel. The second half of September was particularly bloody with seven journalists killed, two of them in the space of 24 hours. One was gunned down, the other beheaded. Most are the victims of targeted murders or bombings. Those responsible for this violence are either armed militias such as Al-Shebaab or local government officials who want to silence news outlets. Somali journalists are subject to the most appalling constraints in both the capital Mogadishu and in the rest of the country. The lack of a stable government in this failed state for the past 20 years, endemic violence and generalized impunity all contribute to the grim death toll.
18 journalists killed in 2012 in this Horn of Africa country
Twice as many journalists were killed in Somalia in 2012 as in 2009, until now the deadliest year for media personnel. The second half of September was particularly bloody with seven journalists killed, two of them in the space of 24 hours. One was gunned down, the other beheaded. Most are the victims of targeted murders or bombings. Those responsible for this violence are either armed militias such as Al-Shebaab or local government officials who want to silence news outlets. Somali journalists are subject to the most appalling constraints in both the capital Mogadishu and in the rest of the country. The lack of a stable government in this failed state for the past 20 years, endemic violence and generalized impunity all contribute to the grim death toll.
Pakistan, a journalist killed every
month
10 journalists and 1 media assistant killed in 2012 – a minefield for the media because of endemic violence in Balochistan and Taliban reprisals
Ten journalists were killed in Pakistan for the second year running - almost one a month since February 2010. It was the world’s deadliest country for the media from 2009 to 2011, and Balochistan continues to be one of the world’s most dangerous regions. With its Tribal Areas, its border with Afghanistan, its tension with India and its chaotic political history, Pakistan is one of the world’s most complicated countries to cover. Terrorist threats, police violence, local potentates with unlimited powers and dangerous conflicts in the Tribal Areas place often deadly stumbling blocks in journalists’ paths.
10 journalists and 1 media assistant killed in 2012 – a minefield for the media because of endemic violence in Balochistan and Taliban reprisals
Ten journalists were killed in Pakistan for the second year running - almost one a month since February 2010. It was the world’s deadliest country for the media from 2009 to 2011, and Balochistan continues to be one of the world’s most dangerous regions. With its Tribal Areas, its border with Afghanistan, its tension with India and its chaotic political history, Pakistan is one of the world’s most complicated countries to cover. Terrorist threats, police violence, local potentates with unlimited powers and dangerous conflicts in the Tribal Areas place often deadly stumbling blocks in journalists’ paths.
Journalists targeted by organized
crime in Mexico
6 journalists killed
Mexico’s violence, which has grown exponentially during the federal offensive against the drug cartels of the past six years, targets journalists who dare to cover drug trafficking, corruption, organized crime’s infiltration of local and federal government and human rights violations by government officials.
6 journalists killed
Mexico’s violence, which has grown exponentially during the federal offensive against the drug cartels of the past six years, targets journalists who dare to cover drug trafficking, corruption, organized crime’s infiltration of local and federal government and human rights violations by government officials.
Brazil: behind the scenes
5 journalists killed
Drug traffickers operating across the Paraguayan border seem to have had a direct hand in the deaths of two of the five journalists murdered in connection with their work in Brazil in 2012. Both had covered drug cases. Two of the other victims were blogging journalists, who often find that the least criticism of local officials can expose them to danger.
5 journalists killed
Drug traffickers operating across the Paraguayan border seem to have had a direct hand in the deaths of two of the five journalists murdered in connection with their work in Brazil in 2012. Both had covered drug cases. Two of the other victims were blogging journalists, who often find that the least criticism of local officials can expose them to danger.
The world’s five biggest prisons for journalists
A record number of journalists imprisoned, with Turkey taking the prize There have never been as many journalists in prison. A total of 193 are currently jailed in connection with their work, while at least 130 netizens are also detained in connection with the provision of news and information.
Turkey, the world’s biggest prison
for journalists
At least 42 journalists and 4 media workers detained
The number of journalists currently detained in connection with their work in Turkey is without precedent since the end of the military rule. Limited legislative reforms have barely slowed the pace of arrests, searches and trials to which journalists are subjected, usually on the grounds of combatting terrorism. Based on repressive laws, judicial practices are dominated by security concerns and show little respect for freedom of information and the right to due process.
At least 42 journalists and 4 media workers detained
The number of journalists currently detained in connection with their work in Turkey is without precedent since the end of the military rule. Limited legislative reforms have barely slowed the pace of arrests, searches and trials to which journalists are subjected, usually on the grounds of combatting terrorism. Based on repressive laws, judicial practices are dominated by security concerns and show little respect for freedom of information and the right to due process.
Although the climate is now more
intimidating, the Turkish media continue to thrive and exhibit a great deal of
diversity. Reporters Without Borders recently concluded several months of
investigations into Turkey’s imprisoned journalists. Of the 70 journalists
currently in prison, it managed to establish that at least 42 of them are being
held in connection with their work of gathering and disseminating news and
information. Many other cases are still being investigated.
Lack of progress in China
30 journalists and 69 netizens in prison
The number of detained journalists has been fairly constant for years. Most of the hundred or so journalists and netizens currently held are serving long sentences in harsh conditions on charges of subversion or divulging state secrets. Those who arrest journalists are often local officials concerned about the bad publicity that can result from reports about corruption or nepotism. The political police focus on free speech activists and bloggers, who are increasingly inventive in their efforts to circumvent censorship.
30 journalists and 69 netizens in prison
The number of detained journalists has been fairly constant for years. Most of the hundred or so journalists and netizens currently held are serving long sentences in harsh conditions on charges of subversion or divulging state secrets. Those who arrest journalists are often local officials concerned about the bad publicity that can result from reports about corruption or nepotism. The political police focus on free speech activists and bloggers, who are increasingly inventive in their efforts to circumvent censorship.
Eritrea’s prison hell
At least 28 journalists in prison
Africa’s biggest prison for journalists has been cut off from the rest of the world since the major roundups in September 2001 and the closure of all of the privately-owned media. None of the 28 journalists currently in prison had the right to a trial or access to a lawyer and few have ever been allowed a family visit. Prison conditions are appalling and include solitary confinement, underground cells and torture.
At least 28 journalists in prison
Africa’s biggest prison for journalists has been cut off from the rest of the world since the major roundups in September 2001 and the closure of all of the privately-owned media. None of the 28 journalists currently in prison had the right to a trial or access to a lawyer and few have ever been allowed a family visit. Prison conditions are appalling and include solitary confinement, underground cells and torture.
At least seven journalists have died or
committed suicide while held incommunicado – forgotten or ignored by the
outside world. One of the planet’s few remaining totalitarian dictatorships and
ranked last in the Reporters Without Borders press freedom index, Eritrea
arrests journalists and leaves them to rot in prison on the least suspicion of
posing a threat to national security or taking a critical view of government
policies.
The cruel intolerance of Iran’s
mullah republic
26 journalists and 17 netizens in prison
The media freedom situation deteriorated considerably in 2009 as a result of the crackdown on the protests that followed President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad’s disputed reelection. Ever since then, the regime has kept on jailing news providers for crossing its red lines. The state of health of some of the detainees is very worrying. In an additional punishment, the families of detainees are subject to frequent threats, harassment and reprisals if they dare to talk to the media. Some of those who are released are also victims of threats and prevented from working, their employers pressured to fire them.
26 journalists and 17 netizens in prison
The media freedom situation deteriorated considerably in 2009 as a result of the crackdown on the protests that followed President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad’s disputed reelection. Ever since then, the regime has kept on jailing news providers for crossing its red lines. The state of health of some of the detainees is very worrying. In an additional punishment, the families of detainees are subject to frequent threats, harassment and reprisals if they dare to talk to the media. Some of those who are released are also victims of threats and prevented from working, their employers pressured to fire them.
Held in Syrian cells
At least 21 journalists and 18 netizens in prison
Journalists and citizen-journalists are not only being killed in the regime’s crackdown. Many are also being arrested and torture is systematic. The authorities stop at nothing in order to extract information from prisoners and dismantle opposition networks.
At least 21 journalists and 18 netizens in prison
Journalists and citizen-journalists are not only being killed in the regime’s crackdown. Many are also being arrested and torture is systematic. The authorities stop at nothing in order to extract information from prisoners and dismantle opposition networks.
Slight fall in arrests and abduction of journalists, and ransacking of news media
There has been a slight fall in cases of
journalists being arrested or abducted in the past year, compared with 2011,
except in Asia and the Americas, where the numbers have continued to grow. News
providers were often targeted on the streets while covering demonstrations and
protests.
The street dangers have continued above all
in Syria (51 arrests, 33 physical attacks and 13 abductions) and to a lesser
degree in Bahrain (18 arrests and 36 physical attacks). It is not easy to put a
precise figure on the number of arrests of news providers amid operations
targeting the civilian population in general. The figures given for Syria
probably fall short of the reality.
The number of arrests and physical attacks
has fallen sharply since the fall of Muammar Qadhafi and Hosni Mubarak respectively
in Libya (7 arrests in 2012, down from 28 in 2011) and Egypt (33 arrests and 63
attacks in 2012, down from 116 arrests and 104 attacks in 2011). But there was
a marked rise in cases of threats or attacks in Tunisia in 2012, following a
2011 revolution that was shorter and prompted a less violent crackdown that
other uprisings in the region. In Oman, the authorities arrested around 30
bloggers in a bid to stop protests inspired by the Arab Spring.
In Latin America, Cuba has stepped up its
harassment of dissident bloggers and journalists again since 2011. Peru
continues to rank first in physical attacks, maintaining its average of around
100 a year. The biggest increases were registered in Argentina, Brazil and
Mexico. In Argentina, the increase was due to growing polarization; in Brazil,
to electoral tension and violence; and in Mexico, to a still high level of
violence compounded by political disturbances resulting from July’s
presidential election.
Colombia was the only one to register a fall in the
number of physical attacks, but it was not enough to end its status as one of
the region’s most violent countries.
India, Bangladesh, Pakistan and Nepal are
among the Asian countries where such violations have increased. With an
undeclared coup d’état in Maldives and the media silenced in Sri Lanka, the
Indian subcontinent is the Asian region where the situation deteriorated most
in 2012. The Chinese Communist Party congress was accompanied by an increase in
arrests, attacks and acts of censorship. Many media are trying to free
themselves of control by the Propaganda Department and local officials, but the
Communist Party refuses to loosen its grip on this “strategic” sector and keeps
on inventing new ways to censor.
In Africa, 2012 was marked by the appearance
of violations in Mali, especially in the north (13 arrests, 8 cases of threats
or attacks, 2 abductions and at least 4 news media censored). Abuses and cases
of censorship are growing steadily in frequency in Nigeria, Democratic Republic
of Congo, Sudan and Somalia. A relative calm returned in Uganda, Malawi and
Angola – countries where the authorities cracked down on protests in 2011
A relative calm also returned to Belarus,
where the number of arrests fell to the more usual if still worrying level of
31 after a 2011 marked by unprecedented protests and a violent crackdown.
Physical attacks increased in Ukraine, where impunity sustains a degree of
violence against journalists although there is no security problem. In Turkey,
the world’s biggest prison for journalists, the number of arrests doubled as a
result of tension surrounding the issue of the Kurdish minority.
Endemic violence accounts for the still
high number of journalists being forced to flee abroad – 73 in 2012 compared
with 77 in 2011. As a result of the Assad regime’s bloody crackdown, Syria
replaced Iran in 2012 as the biggest source of news providers fleeing into
exile. And more than 10 journalists fled Somalia in the month of September
alone.
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