Journalist killings increased by 50% in 2022, led by Latin America

The number of killings of journalists around the world increased by 50% in 2022, led by murders in Latin America and Ukraine, according to a new report by the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ). 

The New York-based monitoring group reported that at least 67 media workers were killed around the world last year, the highest number reported since 2018. CPJ added that at least 41 of the 67 reported deaths have been “in direct connection with their work.” the remaining 26 killings are being investigated.

More than half of the killings took place in only three countries: Mexico, Haiti, and Ukraine—the highest number the organization has ever recorded for these countries. 

“Despite countries across Latin America being nominally at peace,” the nonprofit news group said, “the region surpassed the high number of journalists killed in the Ukraine war.”

At least 13 journalists were killed in Mexico in 2022, making it the deadliest year in over three decades for media workers in the country. The slayings appear to be related to drug gang violence and political corruption, CPJ added. 

In Haiti alone, seven journalists were murdered in relation to violent street gangs that have taken over the capital city of Port au Prince. 

“Reporting in Haiti nowadays is extremely difficult for journalists, specifically in the capital,” said Radio Caraibes reporter Mackerson Remy. “Corruption is all over the place; there is no one you are able to count on.”

In Ukraine, 15 journalists have been killed throughout the last year, while covering the war with Russia. 

“Members of the press are frequently injured by shelling while covering the conflict, and some report that they have been targeted by Russian forces,” the committee said in its report.