U.S. Press Freedom Tracker

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Arrest / Criminal Charge

  • 17 journalist currently faces criminal charges
  • 9 journalists were arrested in 2019
  • Since 2017, 152 journalists have been arrested while covering protests

Category Summary

Total cases 187
Arrests in 2020 123
Arrests in 2019 9
Arrests in 2018 11
Arrests in 2017 38
Journalists still facing charges as of Aug. 2017 3
leaming_arest_010621
  • Arrest / Criminal Charge

Two Washington Post video journalists detained in police ‘kettle’ during D.C. riot

January 6, 2021
The Washington Post video journalist Whitney Leaming was detained alongside a colleague while documenting riots in Washington, D.C., on Jan. …
Murphy_arrest_010621.JPG
  • Arrest / Criminal Charge

Washington Post video journalists detained in police ‘kettle’ during D.C. riot

January 6, 2021
The Washington Post video journalist Zoeann Murphy was detained alongside a colleague while documenting riots in Washington, D.C., on Jan. …

Search Results Summary

Total Results 2
Journalists affected 2
Institutions affected 0
Results in 2021 2
Results in January 2

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How we track Arrests And Criminal Charges

Journalists arrested and taken into custody and/or charged with a crime. Journalists who are still facing charges as of August 2, 2017 are included in this category even if the charges were filed in a previous year. 

All Categories

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

U.S. Press Freedom Tracker is led by the Freedom of the Press Foundation and the Committee to Protect Journalists, in collaboration with leading press freedom groups.

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