The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) has released its 2025 report, revealing a disturbing increase in journalist killings and imprisonments worldwide. The report, published on the eve of Human Rights Day, records 111 journalists killed while covering events globally during the year. The Middle East was the hardest hit, with 69 deaths, including 51 in Gaza.
In Africa, nine media workers were killed in 2025, with Sudan accounting for six of those deaths. Since the conflict began in April 2023, journalists reporting on the civil war have been specifically targeted by warring factions. The IFJ also documented killings in Mozambique, Somalia, and Zimbabwe. Twenty‑seven journalists remain imprisoned in Africa, and Eritrea is the continent’s largest jailer of media professionals.
Europe saw ten journalist killings, eight in Ukraine, one in Russia, and one in Turkey. This marks the third decade‑long episode of high journalist fatalities in Europe, following the Charlie Hebdo massacre in 2015 and the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
The Asia‑Pacific region reported 15 journalist killings, including four in India, three in Pakistan, and three in the Philippines. It also continues to imprison the most journalists worldwide, with 277 behind bars—143 in China, 49 in Myanmar, and 37 in Vietnam.
Overall, 500 media professionals are currently imprisoned worldwide. IFJ President Dominique Pradalié urged governments to protect journalists and uphold press freedom, condemning the blatant attempts to silence critical voices and control public narratives. As the world marks Human Rights Day, the IFJ’s findings underscore the urgent need for governments and international bodies to act to safeguard media workers and promote a free, independent press.
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