9.12.2024 Law in media
Unsolved Journalist Murders: CPJ Report 2024
KFi
Haiti and Israel have topped the latest report by the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) on impunity in journalist murders. Worldwide, 80% of cases remain unsolved. The report explores why those who kill journalists evade accountability, highlighting the countries leading this grim statistic and its impact on press freedom.
The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), in its report "2024 Impunity Index: Haiti and Israel Top List of Countries Where Journalist Murders Go Unpunished," underscores the alarming global issue of impunity for journalist murders. The analysis, covering September 1, 2014, to August 31, 2024, reveals that 80% of journalist murders remain unresolved. The findings confirm that press freedom faces severe threats.
Haiti and Israel Under the Spotlight
Haiti and Israel ranked first in CPJ`s Impunity Index. In Haiti, the issue has persisted for years. Since 2014, the murderers of six journalists have evaded justice. The report highlights that authorities often ignore attacks on journalists, and the weakness of state institutions worsens the problem.
Israel’s appearance on the list was unexpected. For the first time since CPJ began its analysis in 2008, Israel has ranked in the index. The country has one of the highest impunity rates for journalist murders relative to its population. CPJ’s analysis points to two unresolved cases of targeted journalist killings, including the high-profile death of Shireen Abu Akleh and others killed while covering conflicts.
A Global Impunity Problem
CPJ’s report reveals that impunity is not limited to Haiti and Israel. Globally, 80% of journalist murders go unpunished. This means that for every ten journalist murders, only two result in prosecutions.
Global Data in Numbers:
- 263 journalists killed in the last 10 years.
- 210 cases remain unsolved.
- 41 countries included in CPJ`s analysis.
Countries with the Highest Impunity Rates:
Rank | Country | Unresolved Murders | Population (millions) | Years in Index |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Haiti | 7 | 11.7 | 2 |
2 | Israel and Palestinian Territories* | 8 | 14.9 | 1 |
3 | Somalia | 9 | 18.1 | 17 |
4 | Syria | 11 | 23.2 | 11 |
5 | South Sudan | 5 | 11.1 | 10 |
6 | Afghanistan | 18 | 42.2 | 16 |
7 | Iraq | 11 | 45.5 | 17 |
8 | Mexico | 21 | 128.5 | 17 |
9 | Philippines | 18 | 117.3 | 17 |
10 | Myanmar | 8 | 54.6 | 3 |
Tragic Implications for Press Freedom
Impunity for journalist murders undermines the foundations of press freedom. According to the "2024 Impunity Index," investigative journalists, who often expose corruption, human rights abuses, and criminal networks, are most at risk. For instance, in Mexico, 31 journalists were murdered in recent years, with none of the cases fully resolved.
CPJ also notes that the lack of consequences for perpetrators has a chilling effect on journalists. Many avoid reporting on sensitive topics to protect their lives. The report highlights cases in India where local journalists are targeted for exposing corruption and abuses of power.
The Need for International Action
The authors of the report call on the international community to take decisive action. They argue that only global pressure on governments in countries like Haiti, Israel, and Mexico can improve the situation. The report suggests strengthening support for journalists in conflict zones and increasing pressure to enforce international press protection standards.
The full report is available at:
https://cpj.org/thematic-reports/haiti-israel-most-likely-to-let-journalists-murders-go-unpunished
COMMERCIAL BREAK
New articles in section Law in media
How South Asian Governments Manipulate Media. IFJ Report
Krzysztof Fiedorek
South Asia faces significant challenges in maintaining democracy and press freedom. The latest report from the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), "Artificial Independence: The Fight To Save Media and Democracy," highlights the growing threats faced by journalists, including violence, financial pressures, and censorship.
Online Hate in Numbers. What Do We Think About Offensive Comments?
KFi
Nearly 70% of adults have encountered online hate. The group most affected includes individuals aged 18–24, with 81% reporting exposure to hateful content - according to the report "Hate on the Internet," prepared by the polish Foundation "W zgodzie ze sobą" in cooperation with Maison&Partners and the Ariadna research panel.
How #MeToo Changed Journalism. Report by Reporters Without Borders
Krzysztof Fiedorek
The #MeToo movement has turned the media world upside down, creating new spaces to fight for women’s rights and confronting journalists with challenges they hadn’t previously faced. From new editorial roles to increasing cyberbullying threats, journalism is undergoing a revolution, and feminist media is gaining strength to openly address violence and discrimination.
See articles on a similar topic:
Harassment of Female Journalists in Poland. Zamenhof Institute Report
RINF
Over half of female journalists have experienced harassment. The report and a dedicated website for the project, offtherecord.zamenhof.pl, present real, anonymous stories of harassed female journalists, along with numerical data documenting the scale of the issue.
Recognizing Fake News. Technologies for Creating False Information
BARD
Artificial intelligence is increasingly used to fake information. Software now allows manipulation of public appearances by politicians. Bots are also used more often in Poland, with hate speech and trolling among the internet’s biggest threats.
Cyber Threats 2023: Phishing Dominates, AI Targeted
Krzysztof Fiedorek
The CERT Orange Polska 2023 report reveals a rapidly evolving cyber threat landscape. Phishing has taken a decisive lead, accounting for over 44% of reported incidents. Advanced social engineering techniques, deepfakes, and a surge in malicious ads lure users with promises of quick profits or easy opportunities.
Quishing. How to Protect Yourself from QR Code Scams
Krzysztof Fiedorek
According to analysts from Keepnet Labs, quishing will be one of the most serious threats to businesses and individuals in 2024. In 2023, the number of data or money theft cases using this method increased globally by 587%.