Most Press Arrests In 2025 Resulted In Zero Charges

Most Press Arrests In 2025 Resulted In Zero Charges

The vast majority of journalists or media professionals arrested in 2025 were released and never charged with any criminal offenses, according to a year-end report from the United States Press Freedom Tracker. Thirty-two journalists were detained or arrested and primarily while covering protests. That number was down from 50 detentions or arrests in 2024.Still, Stephanie Sugars, a senior reporter for the Tracker, emphasizes that each detention a…

US Press Freedom Tracker: 32 journalists arrested or charged in 2025, vs. 50 in 2024, and 170 assaulted, nearly as many as the previous three years combined

Jem Bartholomew / Columbia Journalism Review: US Press Freedom Tracker: 32 journalists arrested or charged in 2025, vs. 50 in 2024, and 170 assaulted, nearly as many as the previous three years combined  —  A new report documents a hostile environment for US journalists this year, with 32 arrests and 170 assaults.