November 25, 2012 (ADDIS ABABA) – The East African region has become the globe’s second deadliest spot for journalists after the Middle East, according to a new report released by the International Press Institute (IPI).

IPI revealed that the year 2012 was the deadliest year on record for journalists, with a total of 119 journalists killed so far this year across the globe as a consequence of their work.

Syria tops the list as the deadliest and most dangerous country for journalists where 36 journalists and dozens more media activists were killed.

Somalia follows the list with a total of 16 journalists killed this year in targeted attacks and the global network said that none of the perpetrators has been brought to justice, “perpetuating a culture of impunity that encourages new attacks”.

In neighboring Eritrea, four journalists, who had had been held in prison since 2001, have died this year bringing the total death toll in the sub region to 20.

"It is deeply disturbing that in spite of a clear increase in international efforts to stop attacks against journalists, this year’s death toll is the highest on IPI record," said IPI Deputy Director Anthony Mills.

"The killing of a journalist is the ultimate, most callous, chilling form of censorship. Unless we are able to roll back the cynical tide of impunity, these killings will continue."

Mexico, Pakistan, the Philippines, Iraq, the Palestinian territories, Bahrain, Nigeria, Tanzania and Angola were also among countries included in the index.

The death toll stated above is a record-high since IPI started systematically keeping track of journalists’ killings around the world in 1997.

(ST)