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This year, 67 journalists around the world have died in the line of duty, reports the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ). in its annual review. This is much more than a year ago, when 47 journalists were involved. These are correspondents, journalists, photographers, cameramen and assistants.
The union attributes the increase mainly to the war in Ukraine, which has so far killed twelve journalists, mostly Ukrainians. The sharp rise in lawlessness in Haiti (six dead) and the continuing threat of criminal gangs in Mexico (eleven dead) also contributed to the increase. Outside of a war zone, Mexico is now the most dangerous country in the world for journalists, the union says.
“Holding the leaders into account”
The IFJ is calling on governments around the world to take more action against the threat to journalists: if they don’t, it “will help support those who seek to limit free access to information,” said Secretary-General Anthony Bellanger. “It will also make people less able to hold their leaders accountable.”
The number of jailed journalists also increased last year, according to the IFJ overview: 375 people are now jailed, ten more than a year earlier. Most are imprisoned in China (including Hong Kong), Myanmar and Turkey.
