In honor of World Press Freedom Day 2010, CIMA organized a discussion about threats to the safety of bloggers. For the first time, the number of online journalists in prison almost surpasses the number of jailed traditional print and broadcast journalists.
At least 68 bloggers, Web-based reporters, and online editors are under arrest worldwide, constituting half of all journalists now in jail, the Committee to Protect Journalists reported in its 2009 prison census.
China, Egypt, and Iran are considered the most dangerous countries for journalism on the Internet. As online reporting gains influence in countries with repressive regimes, governments are increasing harassment and violence.
Bloggers are more vulnerable than journalists in many ways. Many are not attached to media companies and often do not have legal resources or political connections to help them fight for their freedom once in jail. Unlike traditional journalists, bloggers often work from home or in a solitary location making it easy for government officials or thugs to abduct them. The rise in arrests and intimidation of online journalists threatens freedom of expression worldwide.