The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) has reported that 104 journalists were killed globally in 2024, making it one of the deadliest years for media workers. More than half of these fatalities occurred in Gaza, where 55 Palestinian journalists lost their lives amid ongoing Israeli military operations.
According to the IFJ, the total number of journalist deaths, while lower than the 129 recorded in 2023, highlights the growing risks faced by media professionals worldwide. IFJ General Secretary Anthony Bellanger described the situation in Gaza as a “massacre unfolding before the eyes of the world,” noting that some journalists were directly targeted, while others were victims of crossfire.
The Gaza conflict, which began on October 7, 2023, has resulted in the deaths of at least 138 Palestinian journalists to date.
**Global Breakdown of Journalist Deaths**
After the Middle East, Asia emerged as the second most dangerous region for journalists in 2024, with 20 fatalities reported. These included six deaths in Pakistan, five in Bangladesh, and three in India.
In Europe, the ongoing war in Ukraine claimed the lives of four journalists during the year.
**Rising Imprisonments**
The IFJ also highlighted a sharp increase in the imprisonment of journalists globally. The number of jailed journalists rose from 427 in 2023 to 520 in 2024. China remained the worst offender, detaining 135 journalists, including in Hong Kong, where strict national security laws have faced widespread international criticism.
**Conflicting Statistics**
The IFJ’s count of journalist deaths often differs from other organizations due to varying methodologies. For instance, Reporters Without Borders reported 54 journalist fatalities in 2023 and is expected to release its figures for 2024 later this week.
**Attacks on Journalists in Africa**
In Africa, journalist safety remains a pressing concern. In Nigeria, the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) reported at least 56 cases of harassment or assault against journalists during protests, including the #EndBadGovernance demonstrations.
Similar incidents were recorded in Kenya, where security forces targeted at least a dozen journalists covering youth-led protests. In Uganda, authorities used force to suppress demonstrations over corruption and high living costs, while a court in Ghana banned planned protests.
The IFJ’s report underscores the urgent need for stronger measures to protect journalists worldwide, as conflicts, political instability, and repression continue to endanger their lives and curtail press freedom.
