The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has released its 2024 Global Impunity Index, highlighting that globally, nobody is held accountable for 80 percent of cases related to the murder of journalists. Israel has been called out as the world’s second-worst offender in letting the murder of journalists go unpunished, with Haiti ranking first. Additionally, Somalia, Syria, and South Sudan round up the top five countries allowing journalists’ killers to evade justice.
The CPJ revealed that at least 241 killings had evidence that the journalists were directly targeted for their work. In Israel, the CPJ accused the country of targeting journalists for being journalists, with the failure to hold anyone accountable for the killing of five journalists in Gaza and Lebanon during a year of relentless war. The CPJ is currently investigating the deaths of at least 10 journalists in Israel, with the possibility of more unreported cases due to the scale of violence in the region.
Mexico recorded the highest number of unpunished murders of journalists – 21 – during the index period and ranks eighth on the index due to its large population. Asian countries like Afghanistan, Myanmar, Pakistan, and the Philippines have been consistently appearing on the index since its inception.
CPJ Chief Executive Jodie Ginsberg called on the international community to help protect journalists, stating that impunity for the murders of journalists sends a dangerous message that killing a journalist is acceptable. The CPJ’s report underscores the need for accountability and justice for journalists who risk their lives to report on critical issues.
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