Imprisoned Journalists & Bloggers

Since I didn't post anything on World Press Freedom Day, I'd like to take this opportunity to do so now. Though freedom of the press may never be a reality everywhere, courageous journalists and bloggers all over the world are not discouraged by this. Slowly and painfully, things will change and no doubt due in large part to the efforts of these people and everyone that supports them. That's why it is extremely important for the rest of us to speak up for them when their voices have been silenced and their bodies imprisoned.

Roxana Saberi, an Iranian-American journalist was arrested in Iran in February and charged with espionage. She was quickly convicted and sentenced to eight years in prison. Her lawyer is appealing the sentence and a hearing has been set for May 12.
Source: AsiaNews.it

According to CPJ (Committee to Protect Journalists), 125 journalists have been arrested as of December 1, 2008. The top five countries with the most journalists in jail are:

1. China - 28
   
2. Cuba - 21
3. Burma -14
4. Eritrea - 13
5. Uzbekistan - 6
   

The Committee to Protect Journalists, in a special report, have named the 10 worst countries for bloggers. They are:

1. Burma
2. Iran
3. Syria
4. Cuba
5. Saudi Arabia
6. Vietnam
7. Tunisia
8. China
9. Turkmenistan
10. Egypt
    

I'd like to dedicate this post to all imprisoned journalists and bloggers around the world. Your strength and courage is truly inspiring.