The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) has released its 2025 report, detailing a concerning rise in journalist killings and imprisonment worldwide. According to the report, 111 journalists were killed while covering events globally throughout the year. The Middle East region was the most affected, with 69 deaths, including 51 in Gaza.
The IFJ report, published on the eve of Human Rights Day, highlights the alarming trend of targeting journalists, with 500 media professionals currently imprisoned worldwide. IFJ President Dominique Pradalié emphasized the need for governments to protect journalists and uphold press freedom, citing the blatant attempts to silence critical voices and control the narrative on matters of public interest.
In Africa, nine media workers were killed in 2025, with Sudan being the epicenter of journalist killings in the region, accounting for six deaths. Since the conflict in Sudan began in April 2023, journalists reporting on the civil war have been specifically targeted by warring factions. The IFJ also recorded killings in Mozambique, Somalia, and Zimbabwe. Furthermore, 27 journalists are still imprisoned in Africa, with Eritrea being the continent’s biggest jailer of journalists.
In Europe, the IFJ recorded 10 killings, including eight in Ukraine, one in Russia, and one in Turkey. This is the third time in the last decade that Europe has seen a high number of journalist killings, following the Charlie Hebdo massacre in 2015 and the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
The Asia-Pacific region also saw a significant number of journalist killings, with 15 reported, including four in India, three in Pakistan, and three in the Philippines. The region continues to imprison the largest number of journalists, with 277 currently behind bars, including 143 in China, 49 in Myanmar, and 37 in Vietnam.
The IFJ’s report underscores the need for governments to take action to protect journalists and ensure press freedom. As the world marks Human Rights Day, the report serves as a reminder of the importance of safeguarding the rights of media professionals and promoting a free and independent press. The rising number of journalist killings and imprisonments is a concerning trend that requires immediate attention and action from governments and international organizations.