Ukraine is most dangerous country for journalists worldwide; Philippines is sixth

CMFR/Philippines – Seven journalists were killed in Ukraine in the first half of 2014, making it the most dangerous country for journalists, according to a survey by the International News Safety Institute (INSI) released on 19 July 2014.  This is the first time Ukraine has been so declared  since INSI began monitoring the killing of journalists over a decade ago.

INSI reported a total of 61 journalists and support staff killed worldwide during the same period.  Forty (40) were killed in the first half of 2013, INSI noted in its report.

“This latest figure is a conservative estimate as INSI has identified 14 journalists and support staff who also died this year, though it is unclear if their deaths were related to their work in the media,” INSI said in a press statement.

In the Philippines, INSI reported three journalists killed, making it the sixth most dangerous country for journalists behind Ukraine and four other war-torn countries  (Iraq, Pakistan, Syria and Afghanistan).

CMFR reported four journalists killed so far in 2014: Robelita Garcia on 6 April, Richard Nadjid on 4 May, Samuel Oliverio on 23 May, and Nilo Baculo Sr. on 9 June.