Murder is the ultimate form of censorship, yet the perpetrators are seldom held to account. In nine out of 10 cases where a journalist has been targeted for murder, their killers go free.
The price of a story should never be that high. CPJ is seeking justice for these slain journalists, including full and timely investigations and convictions of those who carry out and order the murders. Although their voices have been silenced, we are speaking up. Their legacy is in our hands.
These journalists are among those featured in "The Last Column,'" a book highlighting the 24 final works of journalists killed in the service of newsgathering.
The global initiative, which sheds light on what is lost when a journalist is murdered, includes the book, a mini-documentary, live events, and educational content. Learn more about The Last Column here.
When we talk about impunity, we are referring to unsolved murders where no convictions have been obtained. There should always be consequences for the murder of a journalist, and CPJ's campaign to end impunity strives to ensure that those responsible are ultimately brought to justice. Learn more about our methodology here.
In the past year there has been a troubling spike in the number of journalists murdered for their work. The cases above are only a fraction of the men and women who have been slain in the line of duty. Each is a heartbreaking loss, and represents countless stories that will go untold. Below are a few examples of where CPJ is actively pursuing justice.