U.S. Press Freedom Tracker
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Arrest / Criminal Charge

  • 5 journalists currently face criminal charges
  • In 2017, 6 journalists were arrested at the Standing Rock reservation in North Dakota
  • 9 journalists were arrested while covering protests against Trump’s inauguration in Washington, D.C.
  • In September and October, 10 journalists were arrested while covering protest marches in St. Louis, Missouri

Data Summary

Total cases 40
Arrests in 2018 3
Arrests in 2017 34
Michael Nigro arrest
  • Arrest / Criminal Charge
  • Equipment Search or Seizure

Photojournalist Michael Nigro arrested while covering protest in Missouri

June 11, 2018
Michael Nigro, a freelance photojournalist on assignment for Truthdig, was arrested while covering a Poor People’s Campaign demonstration in Jefferson …
Feed the Flame
  • Arrest / Criminal Charge
  • Equipment Search or Seizure

Journalist Tracie Williams arrested at Standing Rock

February 23, 2017
Tracie Williams, an independent photojournalist, was arrested while covering events at the Dakota Access Pipeline camp. Police seized her phone, …
The Oceti Sakowin sunrise
  • Arrest / Criminal Charge
  • Equipment Search or Seizure

Filmmaker Jahnny Lee charged with obstruction at Standing Rock

February 22, 2017
Jahnny Lee, a filmmaker working with the Sundance Institute, was arrested while filming a standoff between police and protesters at …
Police use a water cannon on protesters
  • Arrest / Criminal Charge
  • Equipment Search or Seizure

Journalist Tonita Cervantes arrested at Standing Rock

February 22, 2017
Tonita Cervantes, a freelance photojournalist, was arrested while covering events at the Dakota Access Pipeline camp. Police seized her phone, …
A man walks through the Dakota Access Pipeline protest camp on the edge of the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation near Cannon Ball, North Dakota, U.S., January 24, 2017.
  • Arrest / Criminal Charge

Journalist Jenifer Stum charged with trespassing and rioting at Standing Rock

January 16, 2017
Stum, an independent journalist, was arrested on January 16, 2017, while filming an anti-pipeline protest on a bridge at the …

Results Summary

Total Results 5
Journalists affected 5
Results in 2018 1

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
  • 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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