Attacks on the Press in 2012

A news crew crossing into Syria walks for three nights, legs aching and lungs burning, edging past army checkpoints to cover a war the government wants to obscure. A Liberian reporter dares to expose a dangerous ritual even as menacing strangers deliver death threats to her office. In central Mexico, a drug cartel's vicious takeover of police and government agencies is so complete that it threatens to silence the press. And in China, authorities jail a filmmaker who poses a simple question to ethnic Tibetans: Does the state really represent you? Through data and analysis, CPJ experts detail press conditions and document new dangers in every corner of the world.

CPJ's Robert Mahoney identifies the 10 countries where press freedom suffered the most in 2012. They include Syria, the world's deadliest country for the press; Russia, where repressive laws took effect; Brazil, where journalist murders soared; and Ethiopia, where terror laws are used to silence the press. (3:26)

A hard slog with low-life smugglers is a small price for avoiding Syrian forces. By Paul Wood

Reporters can't tell the public that organized crime has taken over a Mexican state. By Mike O'Connor

New oil deals drive optimism, but the public knows little about the details. By Tom Rhodes

A system to defend free expression is under attack from foes and former allies. By Carlos Lauría

The international community, deep in donor fatigue, withdraws media funding. By Bob Dietz

China's new leaders can open a new era for free expression. They have much to do. By Madeline Earp

The rise of extremist groups who target journalists is a potent risk. By Mohamed Keita

The murders of two bloggers mark a surge in deadly anti-press violence. By John Otis