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More than half of the deaths recorded in the Middle East as press freedom faces mounting threats
A total of 128 journalists were killed worldwide in 2025, with more than half of the fatalities occurring in the Middle East, according to the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ).
Describing the figures as deeply alarming, IFJ General Secretary Anthony Bellanger said the rising death toll represents a serious warning to the global media community.
“This is not just a statistic — it is a global red alert for our colleagues,” Bellanger told AFP.
Gaza accounts for highest number of deaths
The IFJ expressed particular concern over the Palestinian territories, where 56 journalists and media workers were killed in 2025 as Israel’s war with Hamas continued in Gaza.
“We’ve never seen anything like this — so many deaths in such a short time, in such a small area,” Bellanger said.
Killings recorded across multiple regions
Beyond the Middle East, journalists lost their lives in several other countries, including Yemen, Ukraine, Sudan, Peru, and India, highlighting the widespread dangers faced by media professionals across conflict zones and politically volatile regions.
Bellanger condemned what he described as a culture of impunity, warning that the failure to prosecute perpetrators fuels further attacks.
“Without justice, it allows the killers of journalists to thrive,” he said.
Rising number of imprisoned journalists
In addition to killings, the IFJ reported that 533 journalists are currently imprisoned worldwide, a figure that has more than doubled over the past five years.
China remains the world’s leading jailer of journalists, with 143 reporters detained, including several in Hong Kong, where authorities have faced criticism from Western governments over national security laws seen as suppressing dissent.
Discrepancies in global tallies
The IFJ noted that its figures are typically higher than those of other watchdogs due to differing methodologies. Its 2025 count includes nine accidental deaths.
By comparison:
- Reporters Without Borders (RSF) recorded 67 journalists killed in the line of duty in 2025.
- UNESCO placed the figure at 93 deaths.
