Paris (Monitoring Desk): The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) has confirmed that 128 journalists were killed worldwide in 2025, with more than half of them losing their lives in the Middle East region.
IFJ General Secretary Anthony Bellanger stated that this is the most serious situation in recent years, emphasizing that these are not just statistics but a global red alert for journalists. He said that 56 journalists were killed in Gaza alone within one year during the conflict between Hamas and Israel.
He further added that journalists were also attacked in Yemen, Ukraine, Sudan, Peru, India, and several other countries, and due to the lack of justice, the situation is becoming increasingly dangerous as killers continue to enjoy impunity.
According to IFJ, 533 journalists are currently imprisoned worldwide, which is more than double compared to the past five years. China holds the highest number with 143 imprisoned journalists, while the situation in Hong Kong is also alarming, where strict laws have been imposed to suppress dissent.
Meanwhile, Reporters Without Borders reported that 67 journalists were killed in the line of duty in 2025, whereas UNESCO placed the figure at 93. IFJ stated that the total death toll also includes nine journalists who died in accidents.
Anthony Bellanger stressed the urgent need to ensure the protection of journalists and the provision of justice, urging the global community to take immediate action so that the killers of journalists are not allowed to operate with impunity.
