Iraq, Syria deadliest countries for journalists

Murders of Mexican journalists at highest number recorded

New York, December 21, 2016--At least 42 journalists were killed in the course of their work in 2017, the Committee to Protect Journalists found in its annual analysis. While the overall number eased for a second consecutive year from record highs earlier this decade, at least six journalists were murdered in Mexico, the most killings there in one year that CPJ has confirmed as direct reprisal for reporting.

Iraq was the most deadly country, making it the first time in six years that Syria did not top the list. At least eight journalists were killed in Iraq and seven in Syria.

"Surges in journalists deaths have been linked to coverage of conflict, so it's certainly good news that there are fewer media deaths in the Middle East. It's also a reminder of why journalist safety worldwide must remain a priority," said CPJ Executive Director Joel Simon. "The rise in the number of journalists murdered in Mexico in retaliation for their work is terrible news and suggests that the Mexican government has failed in its public commitments to end the culture of impunity."