As 533 media professionals remain imprisoned globally, the IFJ is calling for urgent international action to protect press freedom and hold governments accountable for attacks on journalists
One hundred and eleven journalists have been killed this year, with 46% of the deaths occurring in Gaza, Palestine, according to the International Federation of Journalists' annual report released ahead of Human Rights Day on 10 December.
The report reveals that 533 journalists remain imprisoned worldwide, with China standing out as the world's biggest jailer, holding 143 media professionals behind bars.
For the third consecutive year, the Middle East and Arab World has been the deadliest region for journalists, accounting for 69 deaths—including 51 in Palestine. Yemen ranks second with 13 deaths, followed by Ukraine with eight. The most devastating single attack occurred on 10 August when Israeli forces targeted a tent housing journalists near Al Shifa Hospital in Gaza City, killing six media workers including Al Jazeera reporter Anas Al-Sharif.
Regional breakdowns show 15 journalists killed in Asia-Pacific, 10 in Europe, nine in Africa, and eight in the Americas. The report highlights a disturbing trend of drones being used to deliberately target journalists, particularly in the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Europe has seen a nearly 40% rise in imprisoned journalists compared to last year, bringing the total to 149—the highest since 2018—due to intensified repression in Azerbaijan and Russia.
IFJ President Dominique Pradalié condemned the "deeply shameful" lack of government action to protect journalists, calling for an international instrument dedicated to journalist safety and protection.
Since 1990, the IFJ has recorded 3,156 journalist deaths worldwide.
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