Journalists around the world live dangerously—especially in war zones. Between December 1, 2024, and December 1, 2025, 67 media workers were killed. Worldwide, 503 journalists are currently imprisoned. A total of 135 reporters are considered missing—40 more than in 2024. Armed groups abducted 20 journalists worldwide. These figures are reported by „Reporters Without Borders“ (RSF) in its „2025 Press Freedom Annual Report“.
Particularly Dangerous in Gaza and Ukraine
“By far the largest number of journalists were killed by the Israeli army in Gaza,” the journalists’ organization writes. They account for 43 percent of those killed over the past twelve months. Since 2023, the Israeli army has killed nearly 220 journalists—at least 65 of them, according to RSF, in connection with their work: “Some of them were even targeted deliberately.”
But journalism is also life-threatening in Ukraine. There, RSF says, “the Russian army continues to deliberately target both foreign and Ukrainian reporters.”
The largest number of imprisoned journalists—121 out of 503—are held in Chinese prisons. Russia holds 48 journalists, and Myanmar 47. With 26 Ukrainian journalists in custody, Russia is holding more foreign reporters than any other country.
Many Reporters Missing in Syria
Syria is the country with the highest number of missing media workers whose fate remains unknown. They have not been found even after the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime and the opening of prisons. This also applies to reporters taken hostage by the so-called Islamic State. More than a quarter of all missing journalists worldwide disappeared in Syria, RSF reports.
RSF describes the figures as alarming. They are the result of systematic violence by armies, militias, and criminal networks. “When those who report critically must fear for their freedom or even their lives, democracy worldwide is at risk,” RSF states in its press release.
Detailed information at the link:
Reporter ohne Grenzen – Pressemitteilunge Jahresbilanz 2025
More data and graphics at:
Reporter ohne Grenzen – Jahresbilanz Daten/Grafiken
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