Research

According to the annual report of the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), 2024 was another particularly deadly year for journalists and media professionals. As of 10 December 2024, 104 journalists had been killed worldwide, more than half of them in Gaza, Palestine (55). The IFJ reaffirms its determination to see an International Convention for the Protection of Journalists adopted by the United Nations as a matter of urgency. December 11, 2024 – Source: IFJ –  To mark International Human Rights Day on 10 December, the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) has published the initial findings of its...

Syria is deadly for journalists, with over 70,000 killed since 2011. Citizen journalists risk lives to expose abuses by all sides, ensuring the world sees violations despite immense personal danger - By Amnesty International. syria_shooting_the_messenger  

December 04, 2024 - Source: Golden Globes -  In a time, when journalism is under attack, there are plenty of movies and TV-series that focus on journalists as the heroes of the narrative. In films such as Lee, Civil War and Scoop, we follow female reporters, who play a significant role in documenting the truth. “It was essential to tell this story now,” says Ellen Kuras, the director of Lee. “Especially when journalists are being targeted physically for the work that they are doing not only on the battlefield but in general. And also because of what is happening to...

Journalist Imran Aliyev faced detention, physical pressure, and multiple court rulings extending his arrest. Experts deem the rulings unjustified under Azerbaijan's criminal procedure laws. Analysis of violation of law during Imran Aliyev’s judicial proceedings Baku City Court of Appeal trial, Criminal Collegium Case 30 August 2024 Presiding judge: Habil Mammadov Judges: Mirzali Abbasov, Farid Eyyubov Defendant: Imran Aliyev Defender: Qanqa Ibrahimov With the participation of Togrul Huseynov, a major of police and Senior Investigator at the Investigation Division for Serious Crimes within the Investigation and Inquiry Department of the Baku City Police Headquarters, and Emil Alizade, a Prosecutor at the...

The National Union of Journalists (NUJ) highlights ongoing harassment of Malaysian journalists, including verbal abuse, online attacks, and physical threats, especially in politically sensitive or investigative reporting. November 27, 2024 - Source: thestar.com.my - PETALING JAYA: Harassment of journalists remains a serious concern in Malaysia, affecting them across various platforms, says the National Union of Journalists (NUJ). While the exact numbers may vary depending on reporting and awareness, harassment – both online and offline – is unfortunately prevalent, said NUJ general secretary Teh Athira Yusof. “The instances range from verbal abuse and intimidation while covering...

The Israel-Gaza war has claimed at least 137 journalists' lives since October 7, 2023, making it the deadliest conflict for journalists since 1992. Many were killed amid harsh, life-threatening conditions while reporting. November 25, 2025 - Source: CPJ - The Israel-Gaza war has taken an unprecedented toll on Gazan journalists since Israel declared war on Hamas following its attack against Israel on October 7, 2023. As of November 25, 2024, CPJ’s preliminary investigations showed at least 137 journalists and media workers were among the more than tens of thousands killed in Gaza, the West Bank, Israel, and Lebanon since the war began, making it the deadliest...

Journalist Nargiz Absalamova was arrested in December 2023 in Azerbaijan for covering environmental protests in Soyudlu. Despite state suppression, she highlights journalism's role in protecting civil society and dissent. November 25, 2024 - Source: Amnesty - Nargiz Absalamova is a journalist in Azerbaijan, who was arrested in December 2023 under bogus charges in retaliation for her work covering environmental protests. She and several of her colleagues at Abzas, one of the few independent media organizations in the country, are among the many people arbitrarily detained amid a growing crackdown on dissent in Azerbaijan. Nargiz is...

In 2023, a total of 43 journalists were reportedly killed in the Arab States, almost four times the number recorded in the previous year. North America, Europe, and Africa tend to be safer for journalists overall, however journalists continue to face threats ranging from online harassment to police violence - By Statista.   https://www.statista.com/statistics/789954/number-of-journalists-killed-by-region/  

Palestinian journalists face severe risks in the occupied territories, with over 900 violations by Israeli forces reported in 2022, including shootings, detentions, and assaults, often targeting press clearly identified as such. June 18, 2023 - by GCHR - By Ahmad Al-Rajabi – Palestinian journalist This article was originally published in Arabic on Daraj Media on 18 June 2023 and in English on 5 July 2023. The English version has been modified since it was first posted here. Shireen Abu Akleh is not alone. The Israeli army in recent years killed or maimed numerous Palestinian journalists working in the...

Journalists face frequent arrests, especially during protests, violating the First Amendment and hindering public access to news. Such actions chill vital reporting and undermine press freedom. By Freedom of the Press Foundation - Too often, police arrest journalists for doing their jobs. These arrests and prosecutions chill important reporting. Arrests and prosecutions of journalists often violate the First Amendment, and they undermine the public’s right to learn about newsworthy events. Data from the U.S. Press Freedom Tracker shows that journalists are at heightened risk of arrest while covering protests. But police have also arrested reporters...

A UNESCO-led campaign in Mexico City, marking the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists, highlighted the dangers journalists face and the urgent need to combat impunity. November 22, 2024 - UNESCO, Mexico - The International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists campaign has arrived in Mexico, and users are calling to raise their voices. In the heart of Mexico City, a unique message was displayed on more than 570 screens in 70 subway stations during a week. A headline about a journalistic investigation into an escape from a detention centre...

Despite UNESCO's initial declaration of the Maguindanao massacre case as "resolved," ongoing legal challenges and the continued absence of many perpetrators have led to criticism. The case highlights the Philippines' broader issues with media killings and impunity. November 21, 2024 - Source: CPJ -  When the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural classified the 2009 Maguindanao massacre — the deadliest attack on the press ever recorded by CPJ — as “resolved,” Philippine authorities were quick to echo and tout this designation. Too quick, as it turned out. UNESCO’s then-assistant director-general for communication and information, Moez...

Journalism as the Fourth Emergency Service highlights the mental health challenges journalists face, advocating for trauma support and resilience training to help them cope with distressing assignments. Summary Journalists have often been considered the "fourth emergency service". They are first on the scene, alongside paramedics, fi re and police, running towards danger rather than away, and providing independent, veritable and crucial information in the public interest. And yet, unlike frontline workers, little (if any) counselling or training is offered to journalists on how to deal with the horrors they witness, and the trauma they absorb...

Since October 2023, over 148 journalists have been killed in Gaza. The IFJ supports those affected, providing resources and working with the ICC to investigate intentional targeting of journalists. By IFJ: More than six months of war in Gaza has devastated nearly every aspect of life in the enclave. Since Hamas’ horrific attack on southern Israel on 7 October 2023, and the subsequent invasion, more than 33,000 Palestinians have been killed. This includes at least 148 journalists and media workers, a mortality rate of over ten per cent – dramatically higher than any other occupational...

The OSCE Mission to Montenegro donated a Document Management System to help track cases of journalist attacks, improving workflow and access. It strengthens the Commission's capacity to safeguard journalists' rights. November 19, 2024 - Source: miragenews - As part of its support for the work of the Commission for Monitoring Investigations of Attacks on Journalists, the OSCE Mission to Montenegro commissioned the development of a Document Management System (DMS) to store and track all information on cases of threats and attacks on journalists and media property in Montenegro. The Ministry of Interior, which provides administrative...

Venezuelan media launched "Venezuela Retweets," a news show hosted by AI avatars to protect journalists from government censorship. The avatars share real news via social media, shielding reporters from danger. November 17, 2024 -By  Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Media organisations launch news show hosted by AI-generated avatars to 'shelter their real-life journalists'. A group of Venezuelan media organisations has launched a news show using AI-generated anchors, said CNN. "Venezuela Retweets" is hosted by two AI avatars named "La Chama" (the girl) and "El Pana" (the dude). They share real news created by journalists who have found "reporting the news...

At a Council of Europe conference, experts discussed increasing threats to journalists. Police protection, cybersecurity, and support systems were emphasized, with practical advice for reporters facing online and physical risks. November 17, 2024 - Source: Cyprus Mail -  Police protection and vital cybersecurity for journalists Police protection is seen as one of the ways of dealing with the increasing levels of threats against journalists. Speaking at the last conference of the Journalists Matter campaign in Strasbourg, Wim Hoonhout, team leader and coordinator of the Netherlands Central Police, called for more safeguards to protect journalists from threats – on...

Mexican actor, producer and director Diego Luna took a break from the big screen on Thursday to highlight the dangers faced by journalists in his country and beyond, condemning murders of reporters everywhere as “a scandal”. Speaking to journalists at the UN Office at Geneva ahead of a screening of his new documentary State Of Silence, Mr. Luna insisted that the issue of their safety was everyone’s responsibility. “I think it's time for us to come out, us citizens, to come out and protect journalism around the world and protect these voices that are crucial for us to...

For more than two decades, Andriy Tsaplienko has been a war reporter, traveling to conflict zones around the globe. Two and a half years ago, war arrived in his country, Ukraine. When Vladimir Putin sent Russian tanks and missiles across Ukraine's borders, Tsaplienko became a trusted source of information from the front line. He's as fearless a journalist as they come. Some of Ukraine's military leaders told us they're surprised he's still alive. Tsaplienko told us he's fighting for Ukraine's survival… using his reporting - and the truth - as his weapons. Andriy Tsaplienko is battle...

Journalists receiving threats may have to flee their homes in a matter of a few hours. Conflicts, though, are often foreseeable and that’s why those in fragile regions should have an exit plan in place and crucial documents ready to go. These documents will not just help reporters with travel, when needed, but may also help them to move to a safer region or country. Below, we’ve listed what documents to gather as well as which organizations support journalists with relocation.   Documents to Have Ready Have the original or physical copies of the documents...

They are not just numbers.  The Palestinian delegation in Paris wrote a letter to UNESCO about Israel targeting Journalists in Palestine, asking them for urgent action. Read the letter: https://www.unesco.org/sites/default/files/medias/fichiers/2024/10/4_journalists_gaza.pdf

How can we better ensure the digital security of the press and protect against cyber threats?  Download Quick Read October 11, 2024 -   CNTI’s Summary The digital security of publishers, journalists and their sources is under threat in many parts of the world. At the governmental level, policymakers must acknowledge the very real threats facing journalists specifically and ensure that digital policy initiatives both protect them and, in doing so, do not threaten free expression, basic privacy rights, or encryption and VPN protections. At the platform level, technology companies can establish and protect human...

As of November 5, 2024, since the beginning of the full-scale invasion by the russian federation of the territory of Ukraine, the occupiers had killed at least 103 media workers. According to the verified data provided by the National Union of Journalists of Ukraine (NUJU) and the International Federation of Journalists, among those killed were 18 media persons who were performing their professional duties; nine media workers registered as civilian victims, and 76 media representatives mobilized for the defense of Ukraine to the ranks of the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU). “If russia had not unleashed this shameful war, all...

On the "International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists," organizations call on the international community to address rising violence, intimidation, and killings of journalists in Yemen, urging action for their protection. November 2, 2024 - Source: MARSADAK - Today, as the world marks the “International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists,” Yemeni journalists face a dire situation, enduring violence, intimidation, and killings due to their expressions and opinions. The impunity enjoyed by perpetrators further exacerbates these violations. We, the undersigned organizations, call on the international community to focus on the escalating...

Ending impunity for crimes against journalists is one of the most important challenges today. It is an essential precondition to guarantee freedom of expression and access to information for all citizens. Every year, the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists is observed on November 2 around the world. The International Day was established by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in 2013, following the 2012 assassination of two French journalists in Mali. This day is dedicated to raising awareness about crimes committed against journalists, ensuring their safety, and ending the cycle of...