Archive · 2 Jan 2026
Global Press Freedom Crisis in 2025
In 2025, a lot of journalists around the world faced danger.
A total of 128 journalists were killed, which is a big increase from the previous year.
More than half of these killings happened in the Middle East, especially in Gaza.
Many journalists were also imprisoned, with the most in China and Myanmar.
The International Federation of Journalists said that governments need to do more to protect journalists and bring those who harm them to justice.
They described the situation as a global crisis and a red alert for journalists' safety.
128 journalists were killed globally in 2025, a significant increase from 2024.
More than half of the killings (74) occurred in West Asia, with 56 journalists killed in Gaza.
Journalists were also killed in Africa, Asia-Pacific, the Americas, and Europe.
533 journalists were imprisoned globally, with China and Myanmar having the highest numbers.
The International Federation of Journalists condemned the lack of protection for journalists and called for immediate action.
- Who
- Journalists and media workers globally
- What
- Increase in killings and imprisonments of journalists
- When
- 2025
- Where
- Globally, with significant incidents in Gaza, West Asia, Africa, Asia-Pacific, the Americas, and Europe
- Why
- Conflict zones, political instability, and a culture of impunity
Government Actions
Journalist Safety Advocates
Protection of Journalists
Government Actions
Governments argue they are taking steps to protect journalists but face challenges in conflict zones.
Journalist Safety Advocates
Advocates claim governments are not doing enough to prevent journalist killings and ensure justice.
- Total journalists killed globally in 2025
- 128
- Journalists killed in Gaza
- 56
- Journalists killed in West Asia
- 74
- Journalists killed in Africa
- 18
- Journalists killed in Asia-Pacific
- 15
- Journalists killed in the Americas
- 11
- Journalists killed in Europe
- 10
- Journalists imprisoned globally in 2025
- 533
- Journalists imprisoned in China
- 143
- Journalists imprisoned in Myanmar
- 49
