128 journalists killed across the world in 2025, Middle East most dangerous region (Photo- ANI)
ANI, New Delhi. According to the final report of the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), the year 2025 proved to be another deadly year for journalism, with a total of 128 journalists and media workers murdered across the world. These include 10 women journalists and 9 deaths were accidental.
Journalists killed during coverage of Israel-Hamas conflict
The report named the Middle East and the Arab world as the most dangerous region, where 58 percent of the total deaths (74 deaths) were recorded. Of these, 56 journalists were killed in Palestine (Gaza) alone, mainly during coverage of the Israel-Hamas conflict. The most horrific incident was the targeted attack on Al Jazeera journalist Anas al-Sharif on 10 August 2025, in which he and five other media workers were killed in a journalists' tent outside Gaza City's Al Shifa hospital.
The IFJ reported that the initial figure increased from 111 to 128, with 17 additional cases reported since December 10. Among other major countries, 13 journalists were killed in Yemen, 8 in Ukraine, 6 in Sudan, while 4 each in India and Peru. 3 deaths each were recorded in Pakistan, Mexico and Philippines.
There is also information about 533 journalists being in jail globally.
The report also reported that 533 journalists were in prison globally, raising concerns over the growing trend of repression and impunity. The Asia-Pacific region has the highest number of imprisoned journalists at 277, while China (including Hong Kong) remains the world's largest 'journalist jailer' with 143 prisoners. It is followed by Myanmar (49) and Vietnam (37).
IFJ has documented the deaths of a total of 3,173 journalists since it began its annual 'kill list' in 1990.
"This is a global crisis. These deaths are a cruel reminder of how journalists are being ruthlessly targeted simply for doing their jobs," said IFG Secretary General Anthony Belanger.
Governments must take immediate action to protect media workers, bring murderers to justice and maintain press freedom. The world can't wait any longer."
The IFG has called on governments to end impunity and adopt international mechanisms to protect journalists. Experts believe that the increasing risks of reporting in conflict zones and repressive policies are placing journalism at grave risk.