CPJ: 2024 the deadliest year for journalists

May 03, 2025 – General –

In 2024, the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) recorded the highest number of journalist fatalities since it began tracking such data over three decades ago. At least 124 journalists and media workers were killed across 18 countries, marking a 22% increase from the previous year. The surge in deaths is largely attributed to the Israel-Gaza conflict, where 85 journalists—82 of them Palestinian—were killed by Israeli military actions.

Freelance journalists were disproportionately affected, accounting for over one-third of the fatalities. In Gaza alone, 31 freelancers lost their lives, many stepping in to report after established media outlets ceased operations due to the conflict. These freelancers often lacked access to protective equipment, insurance, or institutional support, making their work particularly hazardous.

Beyond the Middle East, countries like Sudan and Pakistan each reported six journalist deaths, while Mexico, Syria, Myanmar, Iraq, and Haiti also saw multiple fatalities. The CPJ highlighted that the global increase in journalist killings reflects a broader trend of escalating conflicts and political unrest worldwide.

The CPJ has called on governments and international institutions to take concrete steps to protect journalists, including implementing the U.N. Plan of Action on the Safety of Journalists and ensuring accountability for those who perpetrate violence against media workers.

Reference – 

https://selangorjournal.my/2025/05/cpj-2024-the-deadliest-year-for-journalists/

https://edition.cnn.com/world/2024-deadliest-year-journalists-israel-cpj-intl/index.html#:~:text=At%20least%20124%20journalists%20and,Palestinian%20journalists%20killed%20in%20Gaza.

2024 is deadliest year for journalists in CPJ history; almost 70% killed by Israel