EU demands justice as impunity for journalist killings hits 86%

African Union expresses solidarity with media workers

The African Union issued a joint statement on 2 November 2026 expressing full solidarity with journalists and media workers across Africa. The African Union Peace and Security Department condemned attacks on them as violations of fundamental human rights.

Impunity endures", which highlights how new technologies and weapons increase risks for journalists in conflict zones.

They also demand that law enforcement respects the role of media workers during protests, elections, and armed conflicts.

Alexander Manilov, deputy chairman of the council, stated that addressing security threats requires constant operational readiness and coordinated action by military agencies.

Media Freedom Coalition highlights dangers in conflict zones

The Media Freedom Coalition released a statement on 2 November 2026 highlighting an increased impunity rate for the killings of journalists. The coalition states that this high rate is largely driven by the killing of journalists in conflict zones, where they are civilians protected by international humanitarian law.

Ongoing concerns over journalist safety in Afghanistan

UNESCO’s Afghanistan office stated on 2 November 2026 that while threats to journalists evolve, the lack of punishment for those who kill them remains a constant reality.

The International Federation of Journalists called for the release of imprisoned journalists on 24 March 2026, with General Secretary Anthony Bellanger stating that imprisoning journalists deprives the public of credible information.

Committee chair Raquel García Hermida-van der Walle expressed appreciation for a petition submitted by Mr Siawash. The European Parliament's Committee on Petitions is scheduled to examine the recognition of gender apartheid on 5 November in Brussels.

Mr Siawash shared a petition containing over 5,000 signatures with EU representatives and warned that protests would intensify if the demands of the Afghan population are not taken seriously.

Iran continues to suppress freedom of expression

Iran suppresses freedom of expression through tactics including arrests, confiscation of equipment, and professional bans, as seen in the cases of Niloofar Hamedi, Elaheh Mohammadi, Baktash Abtin, and Ruhollah Zam.

During the initial days of the 2022 protests, the Iran Human Rights Center reported that at least 20 journalists and media workers were summoned or arrested in Saqqez, Sirjan, Qazvin, and Ahvaz.

A CPJ prison census from 1 December 2022 identified 62 journalists, 24 of whom were women, imprisoned in Iran, marking the highest number among countries surveyed.

Niloofar Hamedi and Elaheh Mohammadi were arrested in September 2022 for their reporting on the hospitalization and funeral of Jina Mahsa Amini.

On 22 October 2023, Hamedi and Mohammadi were sentenced to 13 and 12 years in prison respectively for charges including "collaboration with the hostile government of the United States," "assembly and collusion against national security," and "propaganda against the system".

A photojournalist arrested on 19 September 2022 reported experiencing physical and sexual assault during her detention and was held in solitary confinement in Ward 2A of Evin Prison.

In August 2026, Branch 29 of the Revolutionary Court sentenced the photojournalist to 15 years in prison in absentia for charges related to her media activities, which she denied.

Iranian-American journalist Reza Valizadeh was arrested in September 2024 and sentenced in December 2024 to 10 years in prison by Judge Iman Afshari for "collaboration with the hostile government of the United States".

During Reza Valizadeh's trial in November 2024, his lawyer, Mohammad Aghasi, was not provided an effective opportunity to defend him.

Reza Valizadeh's brother reported that conditions in Fashafouyeh Prison, including overcrowding and poor sanitation, exacerbated Valizadeh's chronic asthma, leading the CPJ to raise concerns about his medical care in June 2026.

EU support mechanisms assist thousands of journalists at risk

Since the ProtectDefenders.eu mechanism was established in 2015, nearly 13,000 journalists at risk have benefited from its support.

In 2025, at least 686 individual journalists at risk received assistance through the ProtectDefenders.eu mechanism.

Differing reports on 2026 journalist death tolls

The Committee to Protect Journalists provides a higher figure, counting 34 journalist killings in 2026.