Media deaths increase to 137 in 2009

Of the total death toll, 113 cases were deliberate assassinations. The Phillippines, Mexico and Somalia were the most dangerous countries for media workers in 2009, according to the IFJ. However, the number of killings fell from 16 to five in Iraq, which had seen the highest rate of media casualties in recent years.

Meanwhile, the IFJ also condemned the arrests of at least 12 journalists in Iran last week following clashes between protesters and security forces.

Source: Panos London