1,657 journalists have been killed worldwide in the course of their work or because of their profession since 2003, Reporters Without Borders (RSF) reported on Friday.
Over the past 20 years, Iraq has been the most dangerous country for members of the press, with 300 deaths. The second most dangerous nation was Syria, where 280 media professionals lost their lives. Afghanistan, Yemen, the Palestinian territories and Somalia complete the list.
"Journalists are listed only if RSF has established that their death or imprisonment was linked to their journalistic activity," the organisation stressed. It does not include those who were killed for reasons unrelated to their work or when the link to their work has not (yet) been confirmed.
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However, more journalists have been murdered in peaceful areas than during war reporting, according to the organisation. Investigations into organised crime or corruption have proved particularly risky – especially in countries such as Mexico, Brazil and Colombia.
In Europe, Russia has the worst record. Since Vladimir Putin came to power, attacks on press freedom have increased; 37 of them have ended in death, according to Reporters Without Borders.
