Report: 111 journalists killed worldwide in 2025, more than 500 remain imprisoned

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) released its 2025 report on Tue, Dec 9, 2025, highlighting that 111 journalists were killed globally while covering events throughout the year.

The report identified the Middle East as the most affected region, with 69 journalist deaths, 51 of which occurred in Gaza.

IFJ President Dominique Pradalié expressed concern over the rising incidents of journalist killings and imprisonments in 2025, noting the inadequate measures taken by governments worldwide to protect journalists and uphold press freedom. The report criticized attempts to silence critical voices and manipulate public narratives, actions deemed in violation of international law.

In Africa, nine journalists were killed in 2025, with Sudan accounting for six of these deaths amid ongoing conflict. Journalists in Mozambique, Somalia, and Zimbabwe each faced one fatality. Moreover, 27 African journalists remain imprisoned, with Eritrea identified as the primary jailer, holding seven journalists.

Globally, over 500 journalists are incarcerated, according to the IFJ report. The Asia-Pacific region leads in these figures, with 277 journalists imprisoned. China, including Hong Kong, is the largest jailer with 143 imprisoned journalists, followed by Myanmar with 49 and Vietnam with 37.

Europe recorded 10 journalist fatalities, with eight in Ukraine, one in Russia, and one in Turkey. This marks the third significant spike in journalist deaths in Europe over the past decade, previously observed in 2015 and 2022.

The Asia-Pacific region saw 15 journalist killings, including significant incidents in India, Pakistan, the Philippines, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and Nepal. The murder of Indian journalist Mukesh Chandrakar on Jan 1, 2025, was notably brutal.

Based on reporting by Africanews.