503 Imprisoned Journalists, New Record of Global Repression
In RSF’s annual report, the figures of 503 imprisoned journalists and dozens killed and missing paint a stark picture of the expansion of global repression against media.
According to the latest report from Reporters Without Borders (RSF) as of December 1, 2025, a total of 503 journalists are imprisoned worldwide, a figure nearly equal to last year.
China ranks first as the “world’s largest prison for journalists” with 121 imprisoned journalists. Following China, countries such as Russia, Myanmar, Belarus, and Iran are among the top ten countries. Furthermore, instability and attacks against media do not end merely in imprisonment. The RSF report shows that 67 journalists have lost their lives over the past 12 months.
Of this number, approximately half of the victims were in the war-torn Gaza Strip, and Mexico follows with 9 deaths in the next rank.
Iran is among the countries with the highest number of detained journalists in RSF’s annual report with 21 imprisoned journalists. The organization has also warned that the state of press freedom in Iran on a global scale is very dire. In the latest media freedom index, Iran ranks among 180 countries in a very low position.
Reporters Without Borders has emphasized that the pressure, detention, and threats against journalists in Iran (particularly following widespread protests) demonstrate efforts to silence independent voices.
Beyond the imprisoned and those killed, 135 media activists have gone missing in 37 countries, with some having disappeared for more than three decades. Additionally, 20 journalists have been taken hostage, particularly in war zones or areas controlled by armed groups.
Countries such as Syria and Yemen have the highest number of missing persons and hostages; many of these journalists have not been found even after years.
RSF says 2025 has been one of the “most dangerous years for journalists”; not only because of wars and conflicts, but because of widespread repression against independent media in various countries. According to the report, governments and militias, using security and military pretexts, have targeted journalists or taken them hostage, thereby trampling on the public’s right to free access to information.
In the Middle East, the suffocation of press freedom continues alongside serious violations of journalists’ rights, particularly in countries engaged in war or political repression.
“Anya Osterhaus”, Executive Director of Reporters Without Borders, expressed deep concern, saying: “When those who produce critical reports must fear for their freedom or even their lives, it means democracy is in danger throughout the world.”
The report warns that international silence in the face of such repression could lead to the discrediting of the principles of freedom of expression and press.
