Record 488 journalists imprisoned, 46 killed in 2021: RSF | The Business Standard
Skip to main content
  • Epaper
  • Economy
    • Aviation
    • Banking
    • Bazaar
    • Budget
    • Industry
    • NBR
    • RMG
    • Corporates
  • Stocks
  • Analysis
  • Videos
    • TBS Today
    • TBS Stories
    • TBS World
    • News of the day
    • TBS Programs
    • Podcast
    • Editor's Pick
  • World+Biz
  • Features
    • Panorama
    • The Big Picture
    • Pursuit
    • Habitat
    • Thoughts
    • Splash
    • Mode
    • Tech
    • Explorer
    • Brands
    • In Focus
    • Book Review
    • Earth
    • Food
    • Luxury
    • Wheels
  • Subscribe
    • Epaper
    • GOVT. Ad
  • More
    • Sports
    • TBS Graduates
    • Bangladesh
    • Supplement
    • Infograph
    • Archive
    • Gallery
    • Long Read
    • Interviews
    • Offbeat
    • Magazine
    • Climate Change
    • Health
    • Cartoons
  • বাংলা
The Business Standard

Thursday
May 15, 2025

Sign In
Subscribe
  • Epaper
  • Economy
    • Aviation
    • Banking
    • Bazaar
    • Budget
    • Industry
    • NBR
    • RMG
    • Corporates
  • Stocks
  • Analysis
  • Videos
    • TBS Today
    • TBS Stories
    • TBS World
    • News of the day
    • TBS Programs
    • Podcast
    • Editor's Pick
  • World+Biz
  • Features
    • Panorama
    • The Big Picture
    • Pursuit
    • Habitat
    • Thoughts
    • Splash
    • Mode
    • Tech
    • Explorer
    • Brands
    • In Focus
    • Book Review
    • Earth
    • Food
    • Luxury
    • Wheels
  • Subscribe
    • Epaper
    • GOVT. Ad
  • More
    • Sports
    • TBS Graduates
    • Bangladesh
    • Supplement
    • Infograph
    • Archive
    • Gallery
    • Long Read
    • Interviews
    • Offbeat
    • Magazine
    • Climate Change
    • Health
    • Cartoons
  • বাংলা
THURSDAY, MAY 15, 2025
Record 488 journalists imprisoned, 46 killed in 2021: RSF

World+Biz

16 December, 2021, 01:50 pm
Last modified: 16 December, 2021, 02:09 pm

Related News

  • Munshiganj journalists ‘threatened’ following report on assault of minor girls aboard launch
  • Foreign journalists laud CA Yunus for leading Bangladesh interim govt successfully
  • Human chain protest demands withdrawal of ‘false case’ against Feni journo
  • BJIM expresses concern over threats to Desh Rupantor reporter Siddiqur
  • 6 teen gang members arrested over attack on journalists in Bogura

Record 488 journalists imprisoned, 46 killed in 2021: RSF

Imprisonment rose by 20% following crackdown in Myanmar, Belarus, Hong Kong

16 December, 2021, 01:50 pm
Last modified: 16 December, 2021, 02:09 pm
Photo/Courtesy
Photo/Courtesy

There are currently 488 media professionals imprisoned around the world, according to a report of Reporters Without Borders (RSF).

This is the highest number since RSF began counting more than 25 years ago, the NGO announced on Thursday. 

By contrast, the number killed this year - 46 - was the lowest since it began issuing annual tallies, due to the relative stabilisation of conflicts in the Middle East.

The Business Standard Google News Keep updated, follow The Business Standard's Google news channel

"The number of journalists detained in connection with their work has never been this high since RSF began publishing its annual round-up in 1995," the NGO, which battles for freedom of the press, said in a statement.

The number has risen by some 20% over the past year thanks largely to crackdowns on the media in Myanmar, Belarus and Hong Kong. 

RSF said it had also never seen so many female journalists detained, with the overall number of 60 representing a third more than 2020, reports AFP. 

China leads the way for imprisoned journalists with 127, thanks in large part to the national security law it imposed on Hong Kong, undermining many of its long-standing democratic freedoms. 

'People's tribunal'

Myanmar was second with 53, followed by Vietnam (43), Belarus (32) and Saudi Arabia (31).

The falling number of deaths since a peak in 2016 reflects changing dynamics in Syria, Iraq and Yemen, where a reduction in conflict means fewer journalists have been drawn to the region. 

Most of the 46 killings were assassinations: "65% were deliberately targeted and eliminated," the report said. 

The most dangerous countries were once again Mexico and Afghanistan, with seven and six journalist deaths respectively, followed by Yemen and India with four apiece. 

RSF also counted 65 journalists and colleagues held as hostages around the world. 

All are in the Middle East - Syria (44), Iraq (11) and Yemen (9) - apart from French journalist Olivier Dubois, held in Mali since April.

A "people's tribunal" to achieve justice for murdered journalists opened in The Hague last month to defend media freedoms in an age of increasing authoritarianism and populism.

Set up by a coalition of press freedom organisations, the hearings lasting six months will focus on the unsolved cases of three journalists murdered in Mexico, Sri Lanka and Syria.

While it has no legal powers to convict anyone, the tribunal aims to raise awareness, pressure governments and gather evidence through what it calls its form of "grassroots justice". 

The tribunal was organised by Free Press Unlimited (FPU), the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), and Reporters Without Borders.
 

Top News

journalist / Reporters Without Borders

Comments

While most comments will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive, moderation decisions are subjective. Published comments are readers’ own views and The Business Standard does not endorse any of the readers’ comments.

Top Stories

  • Jagannath University students and teachers protest at the Kakrail Mosque intersection in Dhaka on 15 May 2025. Photo: Mehedi Hasan/TBS
    DMP bans rallies, demos in Kakrail as JnU students vow to continue sit-in until demands met
  • Jagannath University students and teachers protest at the Kakrail Mosque intersection in Dhaka on 15 May 2025. Photo: Mehedi Hasan/TBS
    Teachers announce JnU shutdown until demands met
  • News of The Day, 15 MAY 2025
    News of The Day, 15 MAY 2025

MOST VIEWED

  • Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus speaking at Chittagong Port on 14 May 2025. Photo: CA Press Wing
    Ctg port must emerge as best with int'l standard facilities for economic growth: CA
  • Shahriar Alam Shammo. Photo: Collected
    3 arrested over JCD leader Shammo killing
  • Up to 20% dearness allowance for govt employees likely from July
    Up to 20% dearness allowance for govt employees likely from July
  • Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus on a visit to Chattogram on 14 May 2025. Photo: TBS
    CA Yunus begins Chattogram tour with packed engagements
  • Infograph: TBS
    Govt plans to align official land price with market rates
  • Infographics: TBS
    $3.5b loan unlocked with shift to market-based exchange rate

Related News

  • Munshiganj journalists ‘threatened’ following report on assault of minor girls aboard launch
  • Foreign journalists laud CA Yunus for leading Bangladesh interim govt successfully
  • Human chain protest demands withdrawal of ‘false case’ against Feni journo
  • BJIM expresses concern over threats to Desh Rupantor reporter Siddiqur
  • 6 teen gang members arrested over attack on journalists in Bogura

Features

Hatitjheel’s water has turned black and emits a foul odour, causing significant public distress. Photo: Syed Zakir Hossain

Blackened waters and foul stench: Why can't Rajuk control Hatirjheel pollution?

15m | Panorama
An old-fashioned telescope, also from an old ship, is displayed at a store at Chattogram’s Madam Bibir Hat area. PHOTO: TBS

NO SCRAP LEFT BEHIND: How Bhatiari’s ship graveyard still furnishes homes across Bangladesh

1d | Panorama
Sketch: TBS

‘National University is now focusing on technical and language education’

1d | Pursuit
Illustration: TBS

How to crack the code to get into multinational companies

1d | Pursuit

More Videos from TBS

News of The Day, 15 MAY 2025

News of The Day, 15 MAY 2025

1h | TBS News of the day
What are the main demands of NBR officials and employees?

What are the main demands of NBR officials and employees?

1h | TBS Today
Capable leadership is essential—without it, NBR’s division will fail

Capable leadership is essential—without it, NBR’s division will fail

4h | TBS Economy
Russia-Ukraine talks in Istanbul: Russian President Putin not on the list

Russia-Ukraine talks in Istanbul: Russian President Putin not on the list

3h | TBS World
EMAIL US
contact@tbsnews.net
FOLLOW US
WHATSAPP
+880 1847416158
The Business Standard
  • About Us
  • Contact us
  • Sitemap
  • Advertisement
  • Privacy Policy
  • Comment Policy
Copyright © 2025
The Business Standard All rights reserved
Technical Partner: RSI Lab

Contact Us

The Business Standard

Main Office -4/A, Eskaton Garden, Dhaka- 1000

Phone: +8801847 416158 - 59

Send Opinion articles to - oped.tbs@gmail.com

For advertisement- sales@tbsnews.net