The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) on Wednesday issued its report on the killings of journalists in 2008 with a warning that 2009 could be the deadliest year yet for journalists. A wave of killings in the first days of the new year have undermined hopes that the falling death toll recorded in 2008 was the first sign of a change in the pattern of killings which have risen dramatically in recent years.

“The welcome relief brought about by the decline in the killings of journalists in 2008 has been short lived;” said Aidan White, IFJ General Secretary at a press conference in Brussels to launch the report entitled ‘ Perilous Assignments: Journalists and media personnel killed in 2008′. “Ten colleagues died in January alone and from all regions of the world either in targeted killing or as a direct result of their work.”

To view the report click here.

The IFJ recorded 109 deaths of journalists and media staff in 2008, marking a decrease from the 2007 all time record of 175 deaths. Continue reading →