PEN Norway alarmed by record number of journalists killed in 2024
PEN Norway is deeply alarmed by the record number of journalist killings in 2024, as reported by the New York-based Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ).
The journalist watchdog in a report said that last year was the deadliest for journalists in more than three decades, with the majority killed in the Middle East. At least 124 journalists and media workers were killed in 2024, the highest number recorded since the CPJ began collecting data three decades ago. Nearly 70% of these deaths were attributed to Israeli military actions in Gaza and Lebanon, with 82 Palestinian journalists killed in Gaza.
The killing of 124 journalists in a single year represents a grave assault on press freedom and human rights. Journalists play a vital role in exposing the realities of conflict and holding power to account. The deliberate targeting of media workers operating in extremely dangerous conditions is unacceptable and must be thoroughly investigated.
PEN Norway calls on Israeli authorities and all parties to respect international humanitarian law and ensure the safety of journalists.
“Independent and transparent investigations must be conducted to bring those responsible to justice,” PEN Norway said.
“Press freedom is a cornerstone of human rights, and its suppression will not be tolerated.”
