Press Emblem Campaign reports 39 journalist murders in first half of 2026, a 54% decline

The Press Emblem Campaign (PEC) recorded 39 journalist murders worldwide in the first six months of 2026, down 54% from the same period in 2025. The Middle East remained the deadliest region with 19 deaths, including nine in Lebanon during Israeli military operations and seven in Gaza. Other Middle‑East fatalities occurred in Syria, Iran and Yemen. Latin America saw 12 murders, led by Mexico with five victims, followed by Colombia, Haiti, Venezuela and Guatemala. In Asia, six journalists were killed – three in the Philippines and one each in Bangladesh, India and Pakistan. Africa accounted for two deaths in Somalia and Uganda, while Europe recorded none.

Blaise Lempen, PEC president, said the reduction is “some good news after three record‑breaking years,” but warned that “39 assassinations are still too many” and highlighted persistent impunity, especially for Israeli forces and Mexican criminal‑state links. PEC stresses that affiliation with Hamas does not justify killings of Palestinian journalists who were not directly involved in combat.