Arrest/Criminal Charge

Total Incidents: 288

Arrests/detainments at protests

242

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Journalists still facing charges

18

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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 journalist briefly detained amid DC riots
1. Arrest/Criminal Charge
Date of Incident

January 6, 2021

Location

Washington, District of Columbia

Targets

Talia Jane (Freelance)
Two Washington Post video journalists detained in police ‘kettle’ during DC riot
1. Arrest/Criminal Charge
Date of Incident

January 6, 2021

Location

Washington, District of Columbia

Targets

Whitney Leaming (The Washington Post)
Washington Post video journalists detained in police ‘kettle’ during DC riot
1. Arrest/Criminal Charge
Date of Incident

January 6, 2021

Location

Washington, District of Columbia

Targets

Zoeann Murphy (The Washington Post)

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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