Journalist murders in Europe: 32 unsolved cases undermine media freedom

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published: 10 November 2025 |  JP Global Monitoring

The Council of Europe has reported that 32 of 51 journalist murders remain unsolved, significantly threatening media freedom. This impunity diminishes safety for reporters and undermines democratic governance.

Summary

STRASBOURG, France — The Council of Europe’s Group of Friends for the Safety of Journalists and Media Freedom has highlighted a troubling crisis across Europe: 32 out of 51 recorded journalist killings remain unresolved, leaving nearly 90 percent of perpetrators unpunished.

The group emphasized that impunity sends a dangerous signal that attacks on journalists carry little risk. For media professionals, this ongoing lack of accountability means the risk environment remains highly volatile, and ensuring journalist safety requires constant vigilance.

Experts warn that unresolved murders of journalists not only undermine press freedom but also weaken democratic governance, as attacks on independent reporting go unchecked. The Council of Europe continues to call on member states to strengthen investigations and hold perpetrators accountable to protect both journalists and the integrity of public information.

The statement comes amid growing concern that without decisive action, Europe could see a continued pattern of violence against journalists, with serious implications for investigative reporting and freedom of expression across the continent.

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