The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) has reported a stark rise in journalist fatalities worldwide, revealing that 128 journalists lost their lives in 2025 while performing their professional duties. The annual report was published on Thursday, 1 January, from the IFJ’s headquarters in Brussels, Belgium.
According to the report, the death toll represents an increase from the previous year, with more than half of the casualties occurring in the Middle East. The IFJ has emphasised the particular severity of the situation in Palestine, where 56 journalists were killed in Gaza alone amid ongoing clashes with Israel.
Anthony Bellanger, IFJ General Secretary, told AFP,
“These numbers are not merely statistics; they constitute a global red alert for our colleagues. In such a short time and within such a limited geographic area, we have never witnessed so many journalists being killed.”
The report also highlights journalist deaths in other conflict zones and politically unstable regions, including Yemen, Ukraine, Sudan, Peru, and India. Bellanger condemned the widespread impunity for perpetrators, noting that the absence of justice encourages further attacks. He described the situation as reflective of a culture of impunity, warning that the lack of accountability emboldens aggressors.
In addition to killings, the detention of journalists has escalated sharply. IFJ data indicates that 533 journalists are currently imprisoned worldwide, more than double the figure from five years ago. China leads in journalist imprisonment, with 143 journalists held in various facilities, including Hong Kong. The IFJ has criticised Chinese and Hong Kong authorities for misusing national security laws to suppress dissent, drawing censure from several Western nations.
The report acknowledges minor discrepancies in fatality figures due to differences in counting methodologies among organisations. IFJ includes nine journalists who died in accidents. In comparison, Reporters Without Borders (RSF) reported 67 deaths in 2025, while UNESCO listed 93 fatalities globally.
Key Statistics: Journalist Fatalities and Detentions in 2025
| Organisation / Region | Number of Journalists | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| IFJ Worldwide | 128 | Includes 9 accidental deaths |
| Palestine (Gaza) | 56 | Majority of Middle East fatalities |
| RSF Worldwide | 67 | Reported by Reporters Without Borders |
| UNESCO Worldwide | 93 | Reported by United Nations agency |
| Journalists imprisoned worldwide | 533 | More than double the number from five years ago |
| Journalists imprisoned in China & Hong Kong | 143 | Criticism for misuse of national security laws |
The IFJ has described 2025 as a year of unprecedented danger for journalists, underscoring the urgent need for enhanced protection, legal accountability, and international solidarity. The report serves as a warning to governments and civil society worldwide: without decisive action, journalists continue to face extreme risk while fulfilling their critical role in informing the public.