📉 Lowest number of journalists killed in 20 years

• 45 journalists were killed in the line of duty in 2023, the lowest number since 2002.
• Improved safety measures and the end of deadly conflicts in Iraq and Syria contribute to the decrease.
• The number of imprisoned journalists also decreases, but the situation remains serious in certain regions.

Significant decrease in journalist fatalities

Reporters Without Borders (RSF) reports that 45 journalists were killed in connection with their work in 2023, the lowest figure since 2002. This decrease occurs despite ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, such as the war in Gaza where at least 13 journalists lost their lives.

Enhanced safety training and the use of protective equipment have contributed to this positive development. The reduction can also be linked to effective actions against impunity and initiatives from intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations.

Christophe Deloire, Secretary-General of RSF, emphasizes that this is a long-term trend showing a significant reduction in the number of journalists dying in connection with their work.

Continued risk in certain regions

Despite the overall reduction in fatalities, the situation remains serious in certain areas. In Latin America, the number of killed journalists decreased from 26 in 2022 to six in 2023. However, the region remains dangerous for journalists, with violence and self-censorship as serious problems. War zones continue to be deadly, with 23 journalists killed in such areas during the year.

Also fewer imprisoned journalists

Globally, the number of imprisoned journalists decreased to 521 at the beginning of 2024, a slight reduction compared to 569 the previous year. China remains the largest prison for journalists with 121 detained. Belarus, under Alexander Lukashenko's rule, has become one of the three countries that imprison the most journalists, with 39 people detained.

The global reduction in the number of imprisoned journalists is partly due to fewer imprisonments in Iran and Turkey.

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