The release of a video showing the apparent execution of U.S. journalist James Foley (pictured) in Syria by Islamic State militants underlines the present danger to reporters around the world.

According to data from the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), at least 1,071 journalists have been killed since 1992, with 2009 and 2012 being the most deadly – 74 journalists were killed in both.

Journalists find themselves under the greatest threat of murder, which has accounted for 66 per cent of deaths, rather than conflict, which caused 20 per cent. Unfortunately, around 88 per cent of journalist killings go unpunished.

This level of threat varies from country to country. Based on CPJ data on deaths since 1992 with a confirmed motive, we count down the most dangerous countries for journalists.


Journalists killed (since 1992): 19

Journalists in Bosnia suffered heaviest during the Bosnian War from 1992 to 1995, which the CPJ attributes 100 per cent of the 19 journalist deaths to. No media professional has been killed since.


Journalists killed: 19

The majority of journalist deaths in Sri Lanka occurred between 2004 and 2009, and have been linked to the Sri Lankan Civil War, though so far noone has been prosecuted.

Journalists killed: 21

In 2013, Turkey accounted for the largest share of the world’s imprisoned journalists, incarcerating 40 of the 211 jailed around the world – five more than Iran. The 211 figure is the second highest total since the CPJ started recording in 2000. Of the 211 imprisoned, 124 journalists were prosecuted on anti-state charges, while 45 received no official charges.


Journalists killed: 26

More than 90 per cent of journalists’ deaths in Afghanistan since 1992 have occurred since the intervention in the country by allied forces began in 1991, with 88 per cent of victims covering war at the time of their death.

Journalists killed: 29
Fifty-nine per cent of journalists killed in Brazil have been covering corruption beats, such as award-winning reporter Tim Lopes, who was tortured and murdered while investigating drug traffickers in a Rio de Janeiro suburb.

Journalists killed: 30
Around 80 per cent of journalists slain in Mexico have been, at one time, crime reporters. Mexico also has the worst record for journalists confirmed missing, with 13 unaccounted for disappearances since 1982.

Journalists killed: 45
According to the CPJ, 23 of the 45 journalist victims in Colombia were reporting on corruption, while a further 19 were reporting on politics. All but four deaths have been recorded as murders.

Journalists killed: 53
Somalia has one of the highest rates of journalists forced into exile – 42 since 2009. The country with the most displaced journalists is Iran, with 76, while Syria is second with 44. According to the CPJ, the reasons behind journalists fleeing always include either the threat of imprisonment or the threat of violence, and just five per cent are able to return home.

Journalists killed: 60
Journalists in Algeria suffered particularly during the Civil War between 1991 and 2002, with a staggering 97 per cent murdered or assassinated by belligerents

Journalists killed: 66
The CPJ currently considers Syria, suffering from an ongoing civil war since 2011, as the most dangerous country for journalists today, with approximately 20 reporters currently missing and 66 killed by combat or crossfire.

Journalists killed: 76
The Maguidanao Massacre in the Philippines was the single deadliest event for journalists documented by the CPJ. At least 33 journalists were among the 58 killed in what seemed to be a politically motivated attack in November 2009.

Journalists killed: 165
Iraq remains the deadliest country for journalists by some distance, with all but one death occurring since the start of the Iraq War in 2003.

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Eyaaaa

I concur. If some Nigerian journalist can only be sent there for a few weeks,then they will learn how to carry out investigative journalism. In a country where journalists spew out trash,attack the govt,give false news e.t.c...certainly they are free.

awwwww

I got it right! It just has to be ‘Iraq’ to top the list.
Most countries in the middle east ain't life friendly at all. Much less for a Journalist.

yep