Guwahati: 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%), where the Middle East remained the most dangerous region, ahead of Latin America, said the Geneva-based global media safety and rights body Press Emblem Campaign (PEC).
“This decline in the number of victims is finally some good news, after three record-breaking years,” commented PEC president Blaise Lempen, adding, “But 39 murders is still too many. The Israeli military was once again responsible for a high number of journalist deaths, especially in Lebanon”.
In the Middle East (19 killed), 9 media workers were killed in Lebanon during Israeli military operations, and 7 in Gaza. In addition, there was 1 casualty in Syria, 1 in Iran, and 1 in Yemen. Since October 7, 2023, according to the PEC’s tally, a total of 228 Palestinian journalists have been killed in the fighting in Gaza (7 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.
In Latin America (12 killed), Mexico remains the most dangerous country, with 5 journalists murdered (including two murdered in June but found dead in July). Next are Colombia, Haiti, and Venezuela (excluding earthquake victims), with 2 killed in each country, and Guatemala, with 1 killed. In Asia (6 killed), the Philippines was the deadliest country, with 3 killed, followed by Bangladesh, India, and Pakistan, with 1 victim in each country.
Finally, in Africa, 2 journalists were killed — 1 in Somalia and 1 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 proves that it is possible to take the necessary precautions to prevent media workers from being killed in war zones.
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. In the absence of prosecutions at the national level, international mechanisms must step in to identify and prosecute those responsible.
The south and southeast Asian region has significantly improved the journo-murder index in the last six months. The countries under the region cumulatively lost 21 media workers last year, where India topped the list with 6 casualties followed by Bangladesh (5), Pakistan (5), Philippines (4), Afghanistan (2) and Nepal (1). PEC representative Nava Thakuria revealed that this year till 30 June, Philippines lost Julio Calo (DNN News FM), RJ Nichole Ledesma (Paghimutad-Negros) and Nestor Micator (Empire Radio Station) to assailants. 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) in this period.
Decline in journo-murders during first half of 2026 : PEC
