45 journalists, including three in Pakistan, killed in 2021: IFJ

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published: 1 January 2022

The International Federation of Journalists reported that 45 journalists were killed worldwide in 2021. This represents a significant decrease, with three fatalities in Pakistan.

Summary

BRUSSELS —A total of 45 journalists, including three in Pakistan, were killed across the globe in 2021.

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) has recorded "one of the lowest death tolls" compared to previous years.

The IFJ noted that media workers "more often than not are killed for exposing corruption, crime and abuse of power in their communities, cities and countries."

"While this decrease is welcome news, it is a small comfort in the face of continued violence," the IFJ said stated on the eve of the new year.

The toll included nine in Afghanistan, the highest number suffered by a single country. Eight died in Mexico, four in India, and three in Pakistan.

The figure also tracked closely with a toll of 46 murders of journalists given two weeks ago by Reporters Without Borders (RSF), which also noted 2021 as its lowest-ever toll since starting its tallies in 1995.

KEY POINTS:

• Total of 45 journalists killed in 2021 worldwide.
• Three journalists were killed in Pakistan during this period.
• Nine journalists lost their lives in Afghanistan, the highest in a single country.
• This marks one of the lowest death tolls recorded by the IFJ.
• Continued violence against media workers remains a concern.