Number of journalists killed by motive 2023

In 2023, a total of 80 journalists worldwide were murdered with confirmed motives. Overall the number of journalists killed in relation to their work in 2023 was the highest in the time period shown, with several murdered or killed in crossfire, and a substantial amount sent on dangerous assignments, notably in Israel and Gaza.

Number of journalists killed in connection with their work worldwide from 2003 to 2023, by motive

Characteristic	Motive unconfirmed	Motive confirmed
2023	7	80
2022	26	41
2021	17	29
2020	17	32
2019	25	28
2018	22	58
2017	20	47
2016	28	50
2015	24	73
2014	20	62
2013	24	74
2012	30	74
2011	32	49
2010	32	44
2009	23	76
2008	24	42
2007	22	70
2006	29	57
2005	11	50
2004	14	60
2003	11	42

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Release date

December 2023

More information

Region

Worldwide

Survey time period

2003 to 2023

Supplementary notes

Motive confirmed = journalist was murdered because of his/ her work.
Motive unconfirmed = journalist was possibly murdered because of his/her work.
The source noted that its staff members independently investigate and verify the circumstances behind each death, and considers a case work-related only when its staff is reasonably certain that a journalist was killed in relation to their work; in combat-related crossfire; or while carrying out a dangerous assignment such as covering a protest that turns violent.
If the motives in a killing are unclear, but it is possible that a journalist died in relation to his or her work, the source classifies the case as “unconfirmed” and continues to investigate.
The list of journalist deaths given does not include those who died of illness or were killed in car or plane accidents unless the crash was caused by hostile action. Other press organizations using different criteria cite different numbers of deaths.

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