WASHINGTON, Dec. 29 (UPI) — Syria and France are the most dangerous countries for journalists as covering politics is the most hazardous assignment worldwide, a report released Tuesday by the Committee to Protect Journalists indicates.
The Islamic State and al-Qaida were responsible for the deaths of 28 journalists, CPJ said in its annual report. Worldwide, 69 journalists were killed between Jan. 1 and Dec. 23.
In Syria, 13 journalists were killed — less than in recent years due to journalists fleeing the country and news organizations choosing not to send staff to the war-stricken nation. In France, nine journalists were killed — including eight in the Charlie Hedbo massacre in January.
More than two-thirds of journalists killed worldwide in 2015 were singled out in reprisal for their work, the highest CPJ has recorded since 2010 but in line with the historical average.
Combat or crossfire killed 17 journalists worldwide while five were killed during a dangerous assignment, CPJ reports. The most dangerous job for journalist is broadcast reporting, as 25 in that occupation were killed.
“For the first time since 2007, CPJ did not document a single journalist killed in direct relation to work in the Philippines,” CPJ reported. “However, at least seven journalists were killed in unclear circumstances, and CPJ continues to investigate these cases for a work-related motive.”
