By NE NOW NEWS
Guwahati: At least 27 journalists have been killed across the world since January 1, 2026, according to the Press Emblem Campaign (PEC), a global organisation working for the safety of media workers. The figures were released ahead of World Press Freedom Day, observed on May 3.
The organisation said that a large number of these deaths have taken place in conflict zones, with the Middle East accounting for a major share of the casualties. It is alleged that Israeli forces were responsible for a significant portion of the killings, though these claims remain part of an ongoing international debate and concern.
According to PEC, 17 of the 27 deaths were linked to conflicts in the Middle East, including Lebanon, Gaza, Syria, and Iran. Outside the region, journalists were also killed in countries such as Mexico, Venezuela, Somalia, Uganda, India, Bangladesh, and the Philippines.
The watchdog has expressed deep concern over what it calls continued impunity for attacks on journalists, saying that little progress has been made in bringing perpetrators to justice. It also highlighted that media restrictions in conflict zones, particularly Gaza, have made independent reporting increasingly difficult.
PEC president Blaise Lempen said the lack of accountability for such killings is encouraging further violence against jounalists and undermining press freedom globally.
The organisation has urged world governments to take stronger steps to protect journalists, especially in war and conflict areas, and to ensure those responsible for such crimes are punished under international law.