The chilling statistics paint a stark picture: over 60 journalists killed in Ukraine since February 2022, a global surge in attacks on media professionals, and a disturbing trend of journalists being targeted not just with violence, but with legal action designed to silence dissent. The Informal Group of Friends on the Safety of Journalists, comprised of nations including Austria, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Latvia, Lithuania, Montenegro, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, the United Kingdom, and Canada, delivered a sobering assessment on November 2nd, marking the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists. This assessment isn’t simply about acknowledging casualties; it’s a critical examination of the systemic failures that allow violence and intimidation against journalists to thrive, undermining fundamental rights and the integrity of democratic processes. The core issue isn’t simply the loss of individual lives, but the deliberate erosion of a cornerstone of a free society – the ability of citizens to access accurate information and hold power accountable.
The escalating crisis in Ukraine represents the most immediate and devastating manifestation of this trend. The deliberate targeting of journalists by Russian forces, alongside the complicity of Belarusian actors, has generated unprecedented levels of danger for media professionals operating in the frontline zones. The deaths of Ukrainian journalist Olena Hramova, camera operator Yevhen Karmazin, and French photojournalist Antoni Lallican in Kramatorsk and Druzhkivka, casualties of Russian drone strikes, exemplify the brutal reality. Further compounding the danger are the persistent reports of arbitrary detentions, torture, and enforced disappearances perpetrated by occupying forces. These actions aren’t isolated incidents; they represent a calculated strategy to disrupt the flow of information and discourage reporting on the realities of the conflict. According to the Committee to Protect Journalists, as of November 2025, at least 78 journalists and media partners have been killed in Ukraine since the start of the invasion – a number that continues to climb, underscoring the urgent need for international pressure on Russia to end these attacks.
However, the crisis extends far beyond the immediate conflict in Ukraine. Within Russia, the pattern of repression against independent journalists has become deeply entrenched. The use of vaguely defined charges – extremism, “foreign agent” affiliation, or dissemination of “false information” concerning the armed forces – represents a chilling effect, effectively criminalizing dissent and limiting the scope of investigative journalism. As journalist Maria Pidhorkina, reporting from Moscow, stated in a recent interview, “The legal framework has been weaponized. Reporting on corruption, the war, or even criticizing the government is now a criminal offense. This isn’t simply about protecting the government; it’s about dismantling a free press.” Recent data from Reporters Without Borders indicates that at least 170 journalists and media staff in Russia have faced criminal charges related to their reporting since 2022, illustrating the scale of this systemic assault on press freedom.
The situation in Belarus presents a similarly ominous picture. Reporters and media actors continue to face repression through charges of criminal defamation, “extremism,” and offenses related to state security, reflecting a sustained campaign to stifle independent media. Numerous journalists have been imprisoned on politically motivated charges, highlighting the lack of accountability and the systemic targeting of dissenting voices. “The Belarusian government has created a climate of fear,” notes Dr. Anya Petrov, a specialist in Eastern European media law at the University of Oxford. “The legal system is routinely used to harass and intimidate journalists, effectively silencing critical voices.”
Even within states traditionally recognized for their commitment to press freedom, such as Georgia, the trend of intimidation and legal pressure against journalists is deeply concerning. The conviction and imprisonment of journalist Mzia Amaghlobeli in August 2025, stemming from accusations related to her reporting, serves as a stark example of this worrying shift. This case, coupled with broader legal actions targeting independent media, represents a significant departure from Georgia’s past leadership in the area of press liberty, raising serious questions about the country’s commitment to democratic values.
Looking ahead, the short-term (next 6 months) are likely to see continued escalation of violence against journalists, particularly in Ukraine, alongside persistent attempts to discredit and prosecute independent media outlets globally. The legal landscape surrounding “disinformation” will likely become even more complex and utilized to further restrict freedom of expression. The long-term (5-10 years) impact hinges on the international community’s ability to translate concern into concrete action. Without sustained pressure on states like Russia and Belarus, and without robust enforcement of international norms protecting journalists, the trend towards impunity will likely intensify, further jeopardizing press freedom and undermining democratic governance worldwide. The current geopolitical climate, characterized by information warfare and authoritarian tendencies, demands a proactive and unwavering commitment to safeguarding the vital role of journalists as watchdogs of power. Ultimately, the protection of journalists is not merely a matter of humanitarian concern; it is essential for the preservation of truth, accountability, and the future of democratic societies. The question remains: will the world respond with sufficient urgency to prevent the erosion of this fundamental pillar of liberty?