At least 66 journalists were killed in 22 countries from January to the end of June 2018. Annual report by Press Emblem Campaign (PEC) says.
As noted, compared with the same period in 2017, the number of deaths of media employees increased by 32 percent (55 people last year).
According to the report, the most dangerous countries for journalists are Afghanistan (11 media employees killed in 6 months), Mexico (8) and Syria (7). At least six media workers were killed in the USA during the same period, and five — in Yemen.
In Afghanistan — terrorist groups and in Mexico — criminal groups bear the main responsibility of the high price paid by media workers. In Yemen and Syria, journalists were killed in fighting while covering the ongoing conflict.
The PEC is also concerned by a worrying trend in India with 4 journalists killed in six months.
Three journalists were killed in Brazil, three in Ecuador and three in the Philippines.
One media employee was killed in Russia for the period.
The PEC in its report urges the United Nations to do more to fight against impunity, and in so doing to create an international mechanism, which would help judiciary authorities in countries facing conflicts or internal violence to bring perpetrators of crimes against media workers to justice.
