In 2024, 124 journalists were killed, marking the deadliest year on record for media professionals, with Israel responsible for nearly 70% of those deaths. The violence is attributed to rising global conflict and unrest. The CPJ report indicates that significant numbers of journalists were murdered in conflict zones, with escalating dangers particularly evident for freelancers.
Last year marked a troubling peak for journalist fatalities, with a stark total of 124 murders reported, as stated by the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ). Notably, nearly 70% of these killings were attributed to actions by Israel amid ongoing conflict. The surge in violence reflects broader trends of international discord, political upheaval, and rising crime, which have escalated increasingly since 2023.
The data highlights that the deadliest period recorded since CPJ’s inception resulted in journalists being murdered across 18 countries. The Israeli-Hamas conflict was particularly critical, claiming the lives of 85 journalists, most of whom were Palestinians. Following this, Sudan and Pakistan recorded the highest second-tier death toll, with six journalists killed in each nation.
Mexico, notorious for its dangerous environment for the press, saw five journalists killed, revealing systemic weaknesses in protective measures against violence toward reporters. In Haiti, the report detailed a dire situation where gangs brazenly accepted responsibility for journalist murders, exacerbating the chaos in a politically unstable environment. Other fatalities were observed in countries including Myanmar, Mozambique, India, and Iraq.
Jodie Ginsberg, CEO of CPJ, emphasized that the current period is unprecedentedly perilous for journalists globally, attributing this reality to escalating military actions in Gaza and diminishing international protections for media personnel. Moreover, CPJ noted that 24 of the slain journalists were intentionally targeted because of their journalistic endeavors.
In summary, 2024 stands as the deadliest year for journalists, with increasing fatalities largely tied to geopolitical conflicts, especially the Israeli-Hamas war. With a notable proportion of fatalities involving freelancers and systemic issues in various nations regarding press safety, the continuing trend into 2025 raises concerns for media professionals worldwide.
Original Source: www.jamaicaobserver.com
