128 Journalists Killed Worldwide in 2025, IFJ Reports

At least 128 journalists were killed worldwide in 2025 while carrying out their professional duties, according to the annual report released by the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ).

The report was published on Thursday from Brussels and shows a rise in journalist fatalities compared with the previous year. More than half of those killed lost their lives in the Middle East, the IFJ said.

Speaking to AFP, IFJ General Secretary Anthony Bellanger described the figure as a serious warning. “This number is not just a statistic; it is a global red alert for our profession,” he said.

The report places particular emphasis on the situation in Palestine. According to the IFJ, at least 56 journalists were killed in the Palestinian territories in 2025 amid Israel’s war in Gaza.

“We have never witnessed such a high number of journalists killed in such a short period of time and within such a limited geographic area,” Bellanger said.

Beyond Palestine, journalists were also killed in countries including Yemen, Ukraine, Sudan, Peru and India. Bellanger strongly condemned the lack of accountability for these killings, describing it as a culture of impunity. He warned that the failure to prosecute those responsible is encouraging further attacks on journalists.

The IFJ report also highlights a sharp rise in the imprisonment of journalists worldwide. According to the federation, 533 journalists are currently behind bars globally—more than double the number recorded five years ago.

China tops the list in terms of journalist detentions, with 143 journalists imprisoned across the country, including in Hong Kong. Western countries have repeatedly criticised China and Hong Kong authorities for what they describe as the misuse of national security laws to silence dissent.

The IFJ noted that variations in methodology among monitoring organisations can lead to differences in fatality figures. Its count includes nine journalists who died in work-related accidents.

Other press freedom organisations have reported lower figures. Reporters Without Borders (RSF) said 67 journalists were killed in 2025, while UNESCO recorded 93 deaths during the same period.

The IFJ said the data underscores the growing dangers faced by journalists worldwide and renewed calls for stronger protections and accountability for crimes against the press.