Significant Drop in Journalist Murders in First Half of 2026

New Delhi, India Jul 17, 2026 ALN: GENEVA, 16 Jul: A marked improvement was observed during the first six months of 2026, with 39 journalists killed compared to 85 during the same period in 2025 – a reduction of more than half the number of victims (-54%). The Middle East remained the most dangerous region, ahead of Latin America, said the Press Emblem Campaign (PEC).

“This decline in the number of victims is finally some good news, after three record-breaking years,” PEC President Blaise Lempen said. The PEC is a global media safety and rights body that monitors the safety of journalists and advocates for their rights worldwide. The organization has been tracking journalist fatalities for many years, noting trends and patterns that reflect the increasingly dangerous environment for media professionals, especially in conflict zones and regions plagued by crime and political instability.

“But 39 murders is still too many. The Israeli military was once again responsible for a high number of journalist deaths, especially in Lebanon,” said Lempen. This statement highlights the ongoing risks faced by journalists covering conflicts, particularly in the Middle East, where military operations often lead to collateral damage, including the deaths of media personnel. The PEC's report underscores the precarious situation for journalists who often find themselves in harm's way while attempting to report on critical issues.

In the Middle East (19 killed), nine media workers were killed in Lebanon during Israeli military operations, and seven in Gaza. In addition, there was one casualty in Syria, one in Iran, and one in Yemen. The region has been marked by ongoing conflict, and the killing of journalists is often tied to the broader hostilities that engulf these areas. Since 7 October, 2023, according to the PEC’s tally, a total of 228 Palestinian journalists have been killed in the fighting in Gaza (seven in 2026, 60 in 2025, 80 in 2024, 81 in 2023). The PEC maintains its tally, as the fact that Palestinian journalists were affiliated with Hamas does not justify their killing by the Israeli military, unless they took part in the fighting. This distinction is crucial, as it raises questions about the ethics of targeting media personnel and the responsibilities of military forces in conflict situations.

In Latin America (12 killed), Mexico remains the most dangerous country, with five journalists murdered (including two murdered in June but found dead in July). This alarming statistic reflects the ongoing violence against journalists in Mexico, where drug cartels and organized crime groups often target media professionals who expose their activities. Next are Colombia, Haiti, and Venezuela (excluding earthquake victims), with two killed in each country, and Guatemala, with one killed. The violence in these countries is often tied to political instability, corruption, and the influence of criminal organizations, making it increasingly perilous for journalists attempting to report on these issues.

In Asia (six killed), the Philippines was the deadliest country, with three killed, followed by Bangladesh, India, and Pakistan, with one victim in each country. The Philippines has a troubling history of violence against journalists, with numerous cases of impunity for those who commit such crimes. The killing of media personnel in these regions often reflects broader societal issues, including the suppression of dissent and the lack of protection for those who seek to inform the public.

Finally, in Africa, two journalists were killed – one in Somalia and one in Uganda. It is worth noting that no journalists were killed in Europe, which is remarkable given the ongoing war between Ukraine and Russia (excluding those who died in the ranks of the Army). This absence of journalist fatalities in Europe may suggest that measures to protect media workers in conflict zones can be effective, highlighting the importance of implementing safety protocols and protective measures for journalists in dangerous environments.

Unfortunately, there has been no progress in the fight against impunity. There is near-total impunity for Israeli military personnel responsible in some cases for deliberate killings, and in Mexico, the ambiguous relationships between criminal networks and state institutions are hindering investigations. The lack of accountability for those who harm journalists remains a significant issue, as it not only endangers media personnel but also undermines the fundamental principles of press freedom and the public's right to information. In the absence of prosecutions at the national level, international mechanisms must step in to identify and prosecute those responsible, the PEC said. This calls for a concerted effort from the international community to ensure that those who perpetrate violence against journalists are held accountable.

The South and Southeast Asian region has improved the journo-murder index in this period, where no less than 21 journo-casualties were recorded last year (six in India, five in Bangladesh, five in Pakistan, four in the Philippines, two in Afghanistan, and one in Nepal). PEC representative Nava Thakuria revealed that this year till 30 June, the Philippines lost Julio Calo (DNN News FM), RJ Nichole Ledesma (Paghimutad-Negros) and Nestor Micator (Empire Radio Station) to assailants. This pattern of violence against journalists in South and Southeast Asia reflects ongoing challenges in ensuring press freedom and safety for media personnel, who often face threats from both state and non-state actors.

India recorded the murder of Jaganmohan Reddy (ABN AndhraJyothy), while Pakistan reported the killing of Lala Israfil Khan (HUM news channel) and Bangladesh lost Rana Pratap Bairagi (Dainik BD Khabar) to assailants since 1 January, 2026. These incidents underscore the persistent danger faced by journalists in these countries, where political tensions, social unrest, and the influence of powerful interests can lead to violent reprisals against those who seek to report the truth. The need for stronger protections for journalists and a commitment to upholding press freedom is more critical than ever, as the landscape for media professionals continues to evolve in response to global and regional dynamics.