The Reporters Without Borders (RSF) 2024 Round-up reveals an alarming intensification of attacks on journalists — especially in conflict zones, where over half of the news professionals who lost their lives this year perished. Gaza stands out as the most dangerous region in the world, with the highest number of journalists murdered in connection with their work in the last five years. Since October 2023, over 145 journalists have been killed by the Israeli army, including at least 35 whose deaths were linked to their journalism. What’s more, 550 journalists are currently imprisoned worldwide, a 7% increase from last year. This violence — often perpetrated by governments and armed groups with total impunity — needs an immediate response. RSF calls for urgent action to protect journalists and journalism.
In 2024, 54 journalists were killed due to their professional activities, with reporters working in conflict zones facing particularly high risks. The number of fatalities in such regions reached its highest level in the past five years. These statistics were highlighted in the annual press freedom report published by RSF on December 12.
Gaza Strip: the most dangerous place for journalists
The Gaza Strip was once again identified as the most dangerous place for journalists. One-third of the 54 journalists killed in 2024 lost their lives there. Following the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, over 145 media workers were killed in Gaza, at least 35 of whom were engaged in professional activities at the time of their deaths, according to the RSF report.
Journalist fatalities in Ukraine
Since the start of Russia’s full-scale aggression against Ukraine in February 2022, at least 13 journalists have been killed in the country.
Global increase in imprisonments
Currently, 550 journalists are imprisoned worldwide, marking a 7.0% increase compared to 2023. Nearly half of all incarcerated journalists are held in just four countries:
- China (including Hong Kong): 124
- Myanmar: 61
- Israel: 41
- Belarus: 40
In Russia, the number of detained journalists rose by 8 in 2024. Israel also became one of the countries where journalist arrests have become frequent since the outbreak of military actions in Gaza, with 17 media representatives detained over the past year.
Threats and impunity
“Journalists are subjected to killings, arrests, and abductions, and, unfortunately, these acts of violence often go unpunished. We must protect those who report on crucial events. Their selfless work sheds light on human suffering caused by wars, corruption, and abuse of power,” said Anja Osterhaus, a board member of RSF’s German chapter.
Abductions and disappearances
Conflicts in regions like Syria and Yemen have led to an increase in journalist abductions. In 2024, two journalists were abducted by Houthi forces in Yemen. Additionally, nearly 100 journalists remain missing across 34 countries, including:
- Mexico: 5
- Syria: 3
- Mali: 3
- Democratic Republic of Congo: 2
- Palestine: 2
- Iraq: 2
More than 25% of these disappearances have occurred in the past decade.
Journalists in Tajikistan
Recall, six journalists – Daler Imomali, Abdullo Gurbati, Zavkibeki Saidamini, Ulfathonim Mamadshoeva, Muhammadi Sulton, and Khushruz Jumayev – have been sentenced to various prison terms in Tajikistan and are currently serving their sentences. They were charged with offenses such as spreading false information, participating in extremist groups, and collaborating with banned organizations. The journalists and their families deny these allegations.
