Journalists' Deaths in 2024: The Most Dangerous Countries

In 2024, 47 media professionals have lost their lives due to their work in journalism, as per the Reporters Without Borders (RSF) database.

Deadliest Places for Journalists

Anna Fleck of Statista illustrates in the following chart that the Palestinian territories were the most dangerous place for journalists last year. In just the first ten months of the year, 14 deaths have been recorded.

Other Dangerous Locations

Pakistan follows the Palestinian territories with six reported deaths. Bangladesh has seen five deaths, while Mexico has seen four. Sudan, Myanmar, and Iraq each have three reported deaths. Ukraine and Colombia have each seen two deaths. Chad, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Honduras, Russia, and Turkmenistan each have one reported death of a journalist.

Disappeared Journalists

Currently, 111 people are listed as "disappeared". The countries with the highest numbers are Mexico (31), Syria (9), Russia (6), Iran (6), and Kosovo (5).

Verification of Deaths

It's crucial to note that only the deaths of media professionals confirmed by the RSF as related to their journalistic work are included in these figures. This is why the numbers may seem low and are subject to change as more fact-checking is conducted.

Bottom Line

The danger faced by journalists in certain countries is a sobering reminder of the risks involved in the profession. The need for accurate reporting and freedom of the press is paramount, but it's clear that in some places, these come at a high cost. What are your thoughts on these statistics? Do you find them surprising or expected? Share this article with your friends and let them know about the risks journalists face worldwide. Don't forget to sign up for the Daily Briefing, which is available every day at 6pm.