Arrest/Criminal Charge

Total Incidents: 289

Arrests/detainments at protests

242

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Journalists still facing charges

8

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Journalists detained without charges

120

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Arrested using excessive force

70

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Data Tracked For This Category

Journalists detained, arrested and/or charged with a crime in the course of or as a result of their work.

Recent Incidents

Independent filmmaker arrested while covering anti-ICE protest in New York City
1. Arrest/Criminal Charge
2. Assault
Date of Incident

September 19, 2020

Location

New York, New York

Targets

Ronald Weaver II (Independent)
Independent journalist says LA police damaged his equipment while arresting him
Date of Incident

May 30, 2020

Location

Los Angeles, California

Targets

Jonathan Mayorca (The Convo Couch)
Journalist arrested while covering LA demonstration
1. Arrest/Criminal Charge
2. Assault
Date of Incident

May 30, 2020

Location

Los Angeles, California

Targets

Fiorella Isabel Mayorca (The Convo Couch)

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Articles About Arrest/Criminal Charge

In 2022, 15 journalists arrested; more face charges

While detained, journalists lose their ability to freely cover the story; criminal charges mean journalists face the threat of fines, prison time — or both.

Published

December 20, 2022

Written by

Stephanie Sugars
More than 50 journalists arrested or detained while on the job in the US in 2021

Published

November 22, 2021

Written by

Kio Herrera
New report: A record-breaking number of journalists arrested in the U.S. this year

Published

December 14, 2020

Written by

Trevor Timm

Learn More About Our Categories

Arrest/Criminal Charge Assault Border Stop Chilling Statement Denial of Access Equipment Damage Equipment Search or Seizure Leak Case Prior Restraint Subpoena/Legal Order Other Incident