World Press Freedom Review reports 110 journalists killed during 2009

The past 12 months were the most lethal for journalists in the whole decade, the International Press Institute (IPI) has reported, with Asia ranking as the most dangerous continent. 

According to the World Press Freedom Review 2009, released today by the IPI, 110 journalists were killed because of their work.

The figure was most closely matched in 2006, when 100 journalists were killed across the world.

"This decade is unlike any other because, in conflict countries such as Iraq, Afghanistan, Somalia and Pakistan, it has seen the deliberate targeting of journalists," said World Press Freedom Review managing editor Anthony Mills.

"Such a departure has changed the face of conflict reporting, leading to less coverage and therefore a worrying vacuum in the understanding of these complex events."

With a focus on the Middle East and North Africa, the report made 78 improvement recommendations to countries in the regions.

Asia was found to be the most dangerous continent, but Africa the least. Iraq, followed by the Philippines, were the most risky countries.

IPI will name ten world press freedom heroes at its World Congress in Vienna and Bratislava, 11-14 September.

[PDF document can be downloaded at this link] 


The most dangerous countries this decade

• Iraq: 170 journalists killed.

• The Philippines: 93 journalists killed.

• Colombia: 58 journalists killed.

• Mexico: 38 journalists killed.

• Russia: 35 journalists killed.

The most dangerous continents this decade

• Asia: 238 journalists killed.

• Middle East & North Africa: 202 journalists killed.

• The Americas: 162 journalists killed.

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