2022 was a “deadly” year for the media with at least 67 journalists and media workers killed, according to a report published yesterday by the Committee to Protect Journalists. 

This is the highest number of deaths since 2018, and a 50 percent increase from 2021. Of the 67, at least 41 were confirmed by CPJ to have been killed in “direct connection with their work”. More than half these deaths occurred in three countries – Ukraine (15), Mexico (13) and Haiti (7).

One of these deaths occurred in India. Journalist Rohit Biswal with Odia newspaper Dharitri was killed in an IED blast in Kalahandi, Odisha in February 2022. The police alleged the bomb had been planted by Maoists.

CPJ identified Latin America as the “deadliest region to practise journalism” with 30 journalists killed in the region last year. At least 12 deaths were in connection to their work. 

The report singled out the murder of journalist Shireen Abu Akleh in May. Shireen, who worked for Al Jazeera, was shot in the head while she was covering raids by Israeli forces in the West Bank’s Jenin on May 11. 

Independent investigations found evidence that she was killed by Israeli forces but CPJ said the Israeli government “has failed to pursue a transparent investigation or take steps to bring those responsible to justice”. The report said, “Abu Akleh’s murder was the latest example of Israeli impunity for crimes against the press.”

Towards the end of 2022, Newslaundry asked journalists about the year gone by and their hopes for 2023. As one journalist said, “A journalist's duty is to always question and expose the gaps. Now, there is an environment of fear for these journalists.” Read the report here.