The year 2025 proved to be another perilous period for journalism globally, with a significant number of media professionals losing their lives while on duty. The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) released its final annual 'Killed List' report on Wednesday, documenting a sobering toll that underscores the extreme dangers faced by those reporting the news.
A Grim Global Tally: 128 Lives Lost
According to the IFJ's findings, a total of 128 journalists and media workers were killed worldwide in 2025. This figure represents a stark reality for the profession and includes nine accidental deaths. Among the deceased were ten women journalists. The Federation also updated its count, confirming 17 additional cases after December 10, which revised its earlier preliminary figure of 111 killings.
Since the IFJ began compiling its annual list in 1990, it has now documented 3,173 journalist deaths globally. The 2025 numbers reflect a continuing trend of violence and impunity against the press.
Middle East & Arab World: The Most Dangerous Region
The report identifies the Middle East and Arab World as the most hazardous region for journalists last year. This area accounted for a staggering 74 of the total deaths, representing almost 58 percent of the global figure. The majority of these killings are linked to coverage in conflict zones, with the war in Gaza being a primary factor.
Palestine alone witnessed the killing of 56 journalists, highlighting the severe risks in Gaza. The IFJ specifically mentioned the targeted attack on August 10 that killed Al Jazeera reporter Anas Al-Sharif and five other journalists and media workers. They were in a tent housing journalists on the outskirts of Al Shifa Hospital in Gaza City.
Other conflict-affected nations also recorded high numbers. Yemen reported 13 journalist deaths, while eight were killed in Ukraine, and six in Sudan.
Imprisonments and Deaths Across Other Regions
The Asia-Pacific region saw 15 journalists killed in 2025. Furthermore, this region continues to imprison the highest number of journalists globally, with 277 media workers currently behind bars. The report states that China, including Hong Kong, remains the world's largest jailer of journalists, with 143 imprisoned. Myanmar follows with 49, and Vietnam with 37.
In the Americas, 11 work-related journalist killings were recorded. Peru had the highest number in the region with four deaths. India also reported four journalist fatalities. Other countries like Pakistan, Mexico, and the Philippines each saw three journalists killed.
Europe recorded 10 killings, eight of which were in Ukraine amid the ongoing war with Russia. Africa reported nine work-related journalist deaths, with Sudan accounting for six of them.
A Call to End Impunity and Protect the Press
Alongside the death toll, the IFJ released a list of 533 journalists currently imprisoned worldwide, warning of growing repression. IFJ General Secretary Anthony Bellanger described the situation as a "global crisis." He emphasized that the deaths are a brutal reminder that journalists are being targeted with impunity for simply doing their job.
Bellanger urged governments to take immediate action to protect media workers, bring perpetrators to justice, and uphold press freedom. He called for the adoption of an international mechanism to ensure journalist safety, stating, "The world can no longer wait." The report serves as a critical call to action for the international community to safeguard the fundamental right to free and safe journalism.
