94 journalists killed worldwide in 2018: IFJ

A total of 94 journalists and media staff were killed in work-related incidents during 2018.

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) has published a list in this regard on Monday.

According to IFJ, the new death toll marks a slight increase up from 82 killings recorded last year and represents a reversal of the downward trend from the last three years.

In its 29th list, the IFJ says that this year’s roll call of loss of lives to violence includes 84 journalists, cameramen, fixers and technicians who died in targeted killings, bomb attacks and cross fire incidents.

Ten other media staff members who worked as drivers, protection officers and a sales assistant also lost their lives.

There are 6 women among the 94 victims. There were also three work-related accidental deaths.

“These brazen acts of violence in utter disregard to human life have brought to an abrupt end the short lived decrease in journalists’ killings recorded over the last three years,” said IFJ President Philippe Leruth.

According to IFJ records for 2018, the Asia Pacific has the highest killing tally with 32, followed by the Americas on 27 killings, the Middle East and the Arab World recording 20. Africa comes fourth with eleven killings before Europe on four.

MHK