Latin America Sees Deadliest Year Yet for Journalists

Journalist killings in Latin America have already surpassed last year’s total, according to a midyear report by Reporters Without Borders (RSF), marking 2025 as one of the most dangerous periods for the press in the region. As of July, 14 journalists have been killed, compared to 11 throughout all of 2024. RSF warns that these figures reflect a deepening crisis of violence, impunity, and state failure to protect media workers.

Mexico, Colombia, Guatemala, and Honduras are among the deadliest countries, but the danger extends across the continent. Most of the journalists killed were local reporters covering corruption, organised crime, and public affairs in smaller towns where state protection is often absent. RSF emphasises that many of these killings appear to be direct retaliation for journalistic work.

The report identifies multiple root causes. Drug cartels and criminal networks act with near-total impunity in rural and semi-urban areas, often colluding with corrupt officials. Local journalists become targets for exposing this nexus of crime and power. Meanwhile, state responses remain weak. Investigations are rarely thorough, and few cases result in convictions. This ongoing impunity only emboldens further violence.

RSF also highlights the limitations of existing protection programs. In countries like Mexico, where journalist protection mechanisms exist on paper, many victims had already requested help before being killed. These failures underscore the urgent need for reform, oversight, and genuine political will.

Beyond murders, the report documents an environment of escalating threats, intimidation, and surveillance. Female journalists face additional risks, including sexual violence and online harassment. Independent and community media outlets are especially vulnerable, with limited resources to defend their staff or respond to attacks.

RSF is calling on governments in the region to prioritise journalist safety through effective protection measures, credible investigations, and broader efforts to combat corruption and organised crime. It also urges the international community to hold Latin American states accountable to their obligations under human rights law.

Without meaningful action, RSF warns, journalism in Latin America may face irreversible damage and citizens will pay the price through eroded democracy and unchecked abuse of power.

Reference –

https://rsf.org/en/latin-america-journalist-killings-2025-already-surpass-last-years-total