Archive · 2 Jan 2026
Journalists Face Deadly Year in 2025
In 2025, many journalists around the world faced great danger.
A total of 128 journalists were killed, with the most deaths happening in the Middle East, especially in Palestine.
The war in Gaza was very dangerous for journalists, with 56 killed there alone.
China was the country that put the most journalists in jail, with 143 behind bars.
The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) said that governments need to do more to protect journalists and make sure those who harm them are punished.
They also said that the world is facing a big problem with journalists being targeted and not being safe.
128 journalists and media workers were killed worldwide in 2025, with the Middle East and Arab World being the most dangerous region.
56 journalists were killed in Palestine alone, highlighting the severe risks faced by media professionals in conflict zones.
China remained the world's largest jailer of journalists, with 143 imprisoned, followed by Myanmar with 49 and Vietnam with 37.
The IFJ reported that 533 journalists are currently imprisoned worldwide, warning of growing repression and impunity.
The IFJ urged governments to take immediate action to protect journalists, end impunity, and uphold press freedom.
- Who
- Journalists and media workers worldwide, particularly in conflict zones
- What
- A deadly year for journalists with 128 killed and 533 imprisoned
- When
- In 2025
- Where
- Globally, with significant incidents in the Middle East, Asia-Pacific, Europe, Africa, and the Americas
- Why
- Due to conflict zones, targeted attacks, and increasing repression and impunity
- Total journalists killed worldwide in 2025
- 128
- Journalists killed in Palestine
- 56
- Journalists killed in Yemen
- 13
- Journalists killed in Ukraine
- 8
- Journalists killed in Sudan
- 6
- Journalists killed in India
- 4
- Journalists killed in Peru
- 4
- Journalists imprisoned worldwide
- 533
- Journalists imprisoned in China (including Hong Kong)
- 143
- Journalists imprisoned in Myanmar
- 49
- Journalists imprisoned in Vietnam
- 37
