The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) has described 2025 as one of the deadliest years in modern history for journalists and media workers, according to its latest annual report, which records the killing of 111 journalists and media workers worldwide, including seven women.
According to the report, 46 percent of all killings were recorded in Gaza, Palestine, where journalists faced extreme risks while covering ongoing military conflict.
The IFJ stated that since the launch of its “Killed List” in 1990, a total of 3,156 journalists have been killed globally. Over the past ten years alone, 859 journalists have lost their lives.
In addition to killings, the organization released a list of 533 imprisoned journalists, naming China as the largest jailer of media workers in the world.
Middle East and Arab Region
According to the IFJ report, the Middle East and Arab region, for the third consecutive year, remained the most dangerous region for journalists.
- Total killings: 69
- Palestine (Gaza): 51
- Yemen: 13
- Syria: 2
- Iran: 3 (including one accidental death)
The report described the killing of six media workers on 10 August in Gaza, including Al Jazeera journalist Anas al-Sharif, as “extremely prominent and deeply alarming.”
In Yemen, the killing of 13 journalists from the “26 September” newspaper in an Israeli military strike was labeled as one of the worst attacks on media offices in the region.
The report also documented 74 imprisoned journalists in the region:
- Israel: 41 Palestinian journalists
- Egypt: 15
- Yemen: 11
Asia-Pacific Region
In 2025, 15 journalists were killed in the Asia-Pacific region:
- India: 4
- Pakistan: 3
- Philippines: 3
- Bangladesh: 2
- Afghanistan: 2
- Nepal: 1
The report gave special attention to the brutal killing of Indian journalist Mukesh Chandrakar, who was beaten with iron rods and dumped into a septic tank.
The region recorded 277 imprisoned journalists, including:
- China (including Hong Kong): 143
- Myanmar: 49
- Vietnam: 37
Europe
In Europe, 10 journalists were killed in 2025:
- Ukraine: 8
- Russia: 1
- Türkiye: 1
The report expressed serious concern over the increased use of drone technology to deliberately target journalists in the Russia–Ukraine war.
The killing of French journalist Anthony Lallican and multiple Ukrainian reporters in alleged Russian drone strikes was highlighted.
The number of imprisoned journalists in Europe rose to 149, representing an almost 40 percent increase compared to the previous year.
Africa
In Africa, 9 journalists were killed in 2025:
- Sudan: 6
- Mozambique: 1
- Somalia: 1
- Zimbabwe: 1
The report noted continuous evidence that journalists in Sudan have been targeted by warring parties, particularly the RSF, since the outbreak of civil war in April 2023.
There are 27 imprisoned journalists across Africa, with Eritrea remaining the worst offender with seven journalists in detention.
Americas
In the Americas, 8 journalists were killed:
- Mexico: 3
- Peru: 3
- Colombia: 1
- Ecuador: 1
The IFJ described the situation in Peru as “particularly alarming,” noting that the country had not witnessed journalist killings for nearly a decade before 2025.
The region recorded six imprisoned journalists, including four in Venezuela.
IFJ Statement
IFJ President Dominique Pradalié said:
“The increase in killings and arrests of journalists in 2025 is a disgrace. Governments have completely failed to protect journalists, and in some cases are directly targeting them. This is a clear violation of international law.”
She further urged the international community to immediately adopt a special international convention to protect journalists.
The IFJ called on all United Nations member states to take urgent measures to ensure journalist safety and to bring perpetrators of these crimes to justice.