Nearly 100 Journalists Killed Worldwide In 2016 - IFJ

Ninety-three journalists and media staff were killed around the world in the courseof their work in 2016, with Iraq and Afghanistan the deadliest countries,the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) has said.

The IFJ said on Friday the number included those killed in targeted attacks, bomb blasts or caught in the cross-fire. A further 29 died in plane crashes in Colombia and Russia. 

Though the number is lower than previous years, the IFJ warned against complacency and continued impunity. Justice has been served for just four percent of journalists killed worldwide.

Countries with the highest numbers of media killings:



Iraq: 15
Afghanistan: 13
Mexico: 11
Yemen: 8
Guatemala 6
Syria: 6
India: 5
Pakistan: 5

Source: IFJ 

"Any decrease in violence against journalist and media personnel is always welcome but these figures... leave little room forcomfort and reinforce hopes forthe end of the security crisis in the media sector," IFJ president Philippe Leruth said in a statement.

"There cannot be impunity for these crimes."

Regionally the Middle East was deadliest with 30 killings, followed byAsia-Pacific with 28, Latin America with 24, Africa witheight and Europe with three, the watchdog said.

IFJ said it was aware that there many more journalists who haddisappeared through the course of the year."The numbers could be higher if itweren't for lack of credible information on these missing cases and for the self-censorship by journalists in some countries to avoid drawing the unwelcome attention of crime barons," added IFJ General Secretary Anthony Bellanger.

"There is therefore urgency in pressing governments to investigate all forms of violence, including killings and disappearances in a speedy and credible manner to protect the physical integrity and professional independence of journalists."