The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has named Beh Lih Yi as the new regional director for the Asia-Pacific area.
According to Carlos Martinez de la Serna, CPJ's Chief Programs Officer, the organisation has been encountering an unprecedented number of reports concerning imprisonments and a lack of accountability for crimes against journalists.
“Lih has spearheaded our efforts in a region that harbours the highest number of imprisoned journalists globally, severe impunity for journalist homicides, and a noticeable increase in requests for assistance,” stated CPJ Chief Programs Officer Carlos Martinez de la Serna. “I am thrilled to have Lih take on this new position to guide our strategy in Asia, encompassing research, advocacy, and support.”
Beh is dedicated to safeguarding journalists within the region, emphasising the importance of press freedom, informing the public, and contributing to societal stability.
“It is in our shared interest to protect press freedom, which ultimately keeps citizens well-informed and societies stable,” comments Beh.
In 2024, at least 122 journalists lost their lives while on duty, comprising 108 males and 14 females, according to the International Federation of Journalists.
The organisation reported a significant spike in arrests, with 516 journalists imprisoned by December 31, 2024, compared to 427 in 2023 and 375 in 2022. It added that 58 per cent died as a result of the war in Gaza.
China was named as the leading offender, with 135 journalists detained, while Israel arrested 59 Palestinian journalists, and Myanmar had 44 journalists in custody.
On June 2, 2025, Palestinian journalist Moataz Mohammad Rajab was killed. Reports indicate that at least 166 Palestinian journalists have lost their lives in Gaza, including media personnel.
In 2024, at least 361 journalists were detained around the globe, with Asia at the forefront. The countries with the most journalist arrests were China, Israel, and Myanmar, with reports indicating that over 200 journalists were killed in Israel.
