The second quarter of 2025 barely passed before revealing a grim reality for journalism worldwide. Instead of cameras and pens serving as passports to the truth, they have, in many countries, become reasons for persecution, arrest, and even physical elimination.
Journalists Without Borders documented a total of 644 violations against journalists during the period April–June, numbers that alone are enough to sound the alarm about the future of freedom of expression.
Asia… The Most Dangerous Continent
Asia topped the list of continents with the highest number of violations, recording 418 cases, proving once again that it is the harshest environment for journalists. It was followed by Africa with 107, Europe with 79, North America with 22, South America with 10, while Oceania remained at the bottom with only 8 cases.
Censorship… The Primary Barrier
Bullets were not the only enemy of journalism. The most widespread violation was censorship and bans on publishing or accessing information, with 243 cases, followed by repressive arrests with 154, then threats and torture with 107, while the organization documented 27 killings of journalists worldwide.
Iraq and Palestine in the Lead
Iraq ranked first with 37 violations, followed by Palestine with 30, then Somalia with 23, and Syria with 21. Other countries such as Israel, Ukraine, Kenya, Mexico, France, and Ethiopia also appeared on the blacklist to varying degrees.
Mexico and Palestine… The Deadliest
Regarding direct killings, Mexico became the most dangerous place for journalists with 11 murders, followed by Palestine with 9, then Ukraine with 6. Pakistan witnessed 4 cases, Peru 2, and other countries recorded one or two each.
At the continental level, Asia led with 14 killings, followed by North America with 13, Europe with 6, South America with 3, Africa with only 1, while Oceania recorded no killings.
Urgent Call
In conclusion, these numbers are not just cold statistics but painful stories of journalists who paid for the truth with their lives. Journalists Without Borders calls on governments to halt the cycle of impunity, ensure a safe environment for journalism, and treat media freedom as a red line that must not be crossed.
Prepared by:
Hadi Doubani – Journalists Without Borders
