CPJ report sounds alarm as journalist deaths hit historic high

The number of journalists and media workers killed worldwide reached an unprecedented high in 2025, with Israel responsible for two-thirds of the fatalities, the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) announced.

A total of 129 media personnel were killed last year, marking the highest number documented by CPJ since it began tracking journalist deaths more than three decades ago.

The report highlights that this marks consecutive record years of press fatalities driven by Israel’s continued targeting of journalists and media workers. Over 60% of the 86 journalists killed by Israeli fire were Palestinians reporting from Gaza, a region where human rights groups and UN experts have warned of genocide.

Globally, over three-quarters of journalist deaths in 2025 occurred in conflict zones. While journalist fatalities in Ukraine and Sudan rose slightly—reaching four and nine deaths, respectively—these numbers remain far lower than those reported in Israel.

CPJ underscored a persistent culture of impunity as a key driver of rising journalist deaths. Of the 47 cases classified as targeted killings or “Murder” in CPJ’s methodology—the highest number in a decade—few investigations have been conducted, and no perpetrators have been held accountable. These deliberate attacks violate international humanitarian law, which recognizes journalists as civilians who should never be intentionally targeted.

The organization also noted that failures to protect journalists extend beyond war zones. Journalists were killed in countries including Mexico, India, and the Philippines in 2025, all of which have long histories of failing to bring killers to justice. CPJ has called for radical reform, including the creation of an international investigative task force and targeted sanctions against those responsible.

The report highlights a broader decline in press freedom and journalist safety worldwide. The number of journalists jailed in 2025 was near-record levels, and reporters faced increased smear campaigns, legal harassment, online abuse, and physical attacks—even in democratic countries.

“Journalists are being killed in record numbers at a time when access to information is more important than ever,” said CPJ CEO Jodie Ginsberg. “Attacks on the media are a leading indicator of attacks on other freedoms, and much more needs to be done to prevent these killings and punish the perpetrators. We are all at risk when journalists are killed for reporting the news.”

By Vafa Guliyeva