A newly released annual report from Reporters Without Borders (RSF) reveals a grim milestone for global press freedom: 67 journalists were killed in 2025 for carrying out their professional duties—a sharp increase marking the third consecutive year of rising fatalities. The data paints a troubling picture of escalating violence against media professionals, with three regions dominating the crisis: the Middle East, Latin America, and authoritarian regimes in Eurasia.
Gaza: Epicentre of Journalist Fatalities
The most alarming finding centres on the Gaza Strip. According to RSF, 43% of all journalist deaths worldwide in 2025—29 individuals—were killed by Israeli military forces during operations in Gaza. This makes the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) the single deadliest actor for journalists this year.
Erik Larsson, RSF’s Nordic spokesperson, called the statistic “deeply striking,” noting, “It is very rare in press freedom reporting to see one state actor responsible for nearly half of all killings globally.”
Israel has repeatedly contended that some of those killed were not legitimate journalists but had ties to Hamas. RSF, however, maintains robust verification protocols to confirm professional status. “We have a rigorous system for determining who qualifies as a journalist,” Larsson explained. “Our data includes only those verified as working in media—writers, photographers, fixers, and broadcasters—regardless of their employer or political views.”
Critics argue that Israel’s restrictions on foreign media access to Gaza have contributed to information asymmetry and reduced accountability. Since October 2023, Israel has severely limited entry for international journalists, citing security concerns—a policy RSF says enables narratives that delegitimize Palestinian reporters.
Mexico: Organised Crime Drives Second-Highest Death Toll
Mexico ranks as the second-deadliest country for journalists in 2025, with nine confirmed killings. The surge is attributed to escalating violence from drug cartels and local criminal syndicates, particularly in states like Guerrero, Michoacán, and Sinaloa. Most victims covered corruption, environmental crime, or local government malfeasance—topics that often intersect with cartel interests.
Despite government pledges to protect journalists through the Mechanism for the Protection of Human Rights Defenders and Journalists, enforcement remains inconsistent, and impunity persists in over 90% of cases.
Ukraine: War’s Toll on Media Continues
Ukraine placed third, with three journalists killed in 2025—all in Russian drone strikes targeting civilian infrastructure. These deaths underscore the ongoing risks faced by war correspondents and local reporters in conflict zones, even two years into the full-scale invasion.
Jailing of Journalists: China, Russia, and Azerbaijan Lead Global Crackdown
Beyond killings, RSF’s report highlights a parallel crisis: the mass incarceration of journalists.
– China remains the world’s largest jailer of journalists, with 121 currently imprisoned, many held under vague national security or “subversion” charges.
– Russia follows with 48 journalists behind bars, primarily for reporting on the war in Ukraine or criticizing the Kremlin.
– Azerbaijan has emerged as a particularly aggressive new offender. Once home to a fragile but vocal independent press, the country now holds 25 journalists in prison—20 of whom were arrested in 2025 alone.
Larsson highlighted the erosion of media freedom in Azerbaijan: “There is hardly any independent media left. Since the introduction of draconian censorship laws in 2022, the government has systematically dismantled press freedom.” Among those detained is Sevinj Vagifgizi, a prominent investigative reporter charged with “espionage” after exposing corruption linked to state energy contracts—a case widely condemned by international rights groups.
Underreported Crises: Africa’s Silent Emergency
While the report focuses on verified cases, RSF acknowledges significant gaps in documentation—particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, where journalist killings often go un-investigated or unreported. In Cameroon, for instance, multiple journalists have been killed or imprisoned in 2025 amid ongoing Anglophone separatist conflicts and government crackdowns, yet these cases receive minimal international attention.
According to RSF’s regional desk, at least six journalists have disappeared or been killed in Cameroon this year, with others facing prolonged detention without trial. Similar patterns are emerging in Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Eritrea—countries where press freedom is either collapsing or non-existent.
Broader Implications for Global Media Ecosystems
The 2025 data reflects a dangerous convergence: war zones, organized crime, and authoritarian legal frameworks are collectively creating a hostile environment for truth-telling. RSF warns that the normalization of journalist killings and imprisonment not only silences individuals but also chills public discourse, erodes democratic accountability, and empowers disinformation.
In Europe and North America, while physical violence against journalists remains rare, legal harassment, online abuse, and political demonization are on the rise—indicating that press freedom is under strain even in traditionally open societies.
What’s Next?
As the war in Gaza continues into 2026 and elections loom in Mexico, Russia, and several African nations, RSF urges governments, international bodies, and tech platforms to:
– Demand transparent investigations into journalist killings, especially in conflict zones.
– Impose targeted sanctions on officials responsible for jailing media workers.
– Fund emergency protection mechanisms for at-risk reporters in under-covered regions like Central Africa.
– Support independent media through direct grants and digital security training.
“When journalists are killed or jailed with impunity, it’s not just an attack on the press—it’s an attack on society’s right to know,” said Larsson. “The world is watching less, and that’s exactly what authoritarian actors want.”
About Reporters Without Borders (RSF):
Founded in 1985, RSF is an independent NGO that defends freedom of information worldwide. It publishes the annual World Press Freedom Index and advocates for journalists at risk through legal, diplomatic, and public campaigns.
— Nordic Business Journal, December 10, 2025