A television reporter in Shanghai, China, on Nov. 5. Photo: VCG/VCG via Getty Images
China imprisoned at least 48 journalists in 2019, more than any other country in the world, Reuters writes, citing a new Committee to Protect Journalists report.
Why it matters: The CPJ attributed China's arrests to its government media crackdown in Xinjiang province, where it's holding more than 1 million ethnic Muslim minorities in internment camps.
- CPJ also notes the number of journalists detained by China has steadily grown since President Xi Jinping consolidated political power.
By the numbers: Nations around the world detained at least 250 journalists this year, down from the 255 arrests in 2018.
- Turkey imprisoned 47 journalists, while Saudi Arabia and Egypt both held 26.
- Eritrea arrested 16, while Iran held 11.
- Women accounted for around 8% of the journalists imprisoned globally, down from 13% last year.
What they're saying: In response to the report, Hua Chunying, spokeswoman for China's foreign ministry, told Reuters reporters in Beijing that U.S.-based institutions have no credibility.
- “You should feel lucky that you work in Beijing and not in Washington,” Chunying said.
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