129 were killed and more than two-thirds of them died in Gaza

According to a CPJ report, 86 of the deaths, More than two-thirds of the total occurred in Israel’s war in Gaza, and the majority of victims were Palestinian journalists.

The report highlights that 2025 was the second consecutive year with a record number of press deaths worldwide, and the organization’s executive director, Jodie Ginsbergwarned in a statement that attacks against journalists “are an indicator of the violation of other freedoms.”

In addition, he called for “act to prevent these murders and punish those responsible.”

According to the report, More than three quarters of deaths occurred in conflict environments.

In Ukraine, four journalists were murderedwhile nine deaths were recorded in Sudan, figures that represent an increase compared to 2024 but remain low compared to Israel and Gaza.

The report also highlighted an increase in use of drones as a lethal weapon against journalists, with 39 documented cases.

Of these, 28 corresponded to attacks in Gaza by the Israeli Army, five to the Rapid Support Forces in Sudan, one to a Turkish attack in Iraq and four in Ukraine by Russian military drones, the highest annual figure since the start of the war.

Deliberate murders with impunity

Likewise, CPJ documented 47 “deliberate murders” of journalists directly linked to their informative work, the highest number in the last ten years.

He added that in none of the cases has anyone been held responsible, which reflects “a persistent culture of impunity”.

The organization highlighted that the lack of justice encourages new attacks, even in countries that are not at war.

“Insufficient” protection in Mexico

In Mexicoat least six journalists were murdered, despite having a federal protection mechanism that has proven “to be insufficient,” the report states, with at least one journalist killed each year over the last decade.

In Filipinasthree journalists were shot dead, only one of which led to an arrest.

The report also documents attacks against journalists investigating corruption and organized crime in Asia and Latin America.

In authoritarian regimes, the press continued to be punished with death. An example is that of Saudi Arabia, where the columnist Turki al-Jasser was executed after seven years in prison.

CPJ called on governments to profoundly reform the investigation of journalist murders, including the creation of an international investigative group and the imposition of sanctions “to ensure justice and protect press professionals.”

The organization emphasized that the safety of journalists is “key to access to truthful information” and for the defense of fundamental freedoms.