Syria tops the list of countries for number of killed journalists in 2014

The Middle East has continued the dismal trend of being one of the most hazardous places in the world for journalists.

Reporters Without Borders, a non-profit organisation dedicated to the freedom of expression and information, has released their annual report documenting violence against journalists worldwide.

Three countries from the MENA region are in the top 5 list of places that are more likely to imprison reporters. 178 journalists in total were imprisoned in total around the world. Iran, Egypt, and Syria came in third, fourth and fifth place as the biggest prisons for professional journalists.

Syria and Palestine are the world’s most dangerous countries, as they both account for a third of killed journalists active in their line of duty. 15 were killed in Syria this year, whereas in Palestine (specifically during the Israeli summer assult in Gaza) the number is 7. 4 journalists were killed in Iraq, such as the case of Raad Azaoui.

Azoui, 34, was a father and a cameraman who was publicly executed by the Islamic State on 10 October for refusing to cooperate with them. Azaoui, who was captured with another 20 people, worked for the Sama Salah Aldeen TV. He was killed along with his brother and two civilians in the city of Samara.

Two thirds of the 66 journalists died in war zones. Yet the overall number is lower than previous years, with 71 journalists killed in 2013 and 97 in 2012. Yet the number of arrests has increased worldwide, with the Middle East region a leading contender in terms of the restriction and threats that journalists face on a constant basis.

835 journalists were arrested worldwide, a rise of three percent from 2013. Increased political repression in Egypt led to the arrest of 46 journalists by the government on the pretext of being Muslim Brotherhood supporters, inciting to riot, or endangering national unity. In Iran, the number reached 45.

The number of those kidnapped increased 35 percent from last year. Out of the 119 journalists kidnapped, 76 were taken hostage in Libya, Syria, and Iraq. The report listed the mayhem in Libya and the Islamic State assaults as the main reasons for the kidnapping.

139 journalists fled their countries to escape from instability, chaos, and death threats. Libya’s tumultuous political climate and the volatility of unfolding events resulted in 43 journalists fleeing the country. In Syria, the civil war coupled with the advances and gains made by extremist groups such as IS and al-Nusra Front caused 37 journalists to leave.

The RWB report noted that most journalists flee to a neighbouring country, where they continue to fear for their safety as their government’s thugs or militiamen might continue to pursue them over the border.

The territories controlled by IS and Eastern Libya were identified by RWB as the most dangerous areas for journalists to appear, where they are most likely to be closely monitored, kidnapped, arrested, or killed.

Turkey is listed as number three in the countries where journalists are more likely to be attacked or threatened. 117 journalists in Turkey reported being assaulted by security forces, as police continue to use disproportionate force against protesters.