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February 3, 2016

IFJ: 2,297 journalists and media staff killed doing their jobs worldwide since 1990

By William Turvill

The International Federation of Journalists has recorded the killings of 2,297 journalists and media staff since 1990 – including 112 in 2015.

The organisation today published its 25th report, revealing 2015 was the eighth worst year on record.

The report also named the most dangerous countries for journalists over the last 25 years, with Iraq (where 309 journalists or media staff have been killed), Philippines (146) and Mexico (120) the worst.

Last year, due to the Charlie Hebdo attack, France was the joint worst country for journalist killings (ten) along with Iraq, and Yemen.

The worst year on record, according to the IFJ, was 2006 when it recorded 155 killings of journalists and media staff.

IFJ president Jim Boumelha said: “This milestone publication charts the trajectory of safety crisis in journalism and bears witness to the IFJ’s long running campaign to end impunity for violence against media professionals…

“These annual reports were more than just about recording the killings of colleagues. They also represented our tribute for their courage and the ultimate sacrifice paid by journalists in their thousands who lost their lives fulfilling the role to inform and empower the public.” 

The IFJ’s general secretary Anthony Bellanger said: “There were other reasons, often removed from the war theatre, for targeting journalists, many of whom are victims of organised crime barons and corrupt officials.

“It is a recurring finding of our reports that there are many more killed in peace time situations than in war-stricken countries.”

Picture: Shutterstock

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