Annual RSF report says impunity for state abuses is driving a global decline in press freedom as Iran ranks among top countries jailing and exiling journalists
The 2025 annual report by Reporters Without Borders (RSF) identifies Iran as one of the world leaders in imprisoning journalists, documenting 21 journalists behind bars and one forcibly disappeared. The findings place Iran’s regime among the worst violators of press freedom at a global level.
According to RSF, the countries with the highest number of imprisoned journalists remain China, Russia, and Myanmar. They are followed by Belarus, Vietnam, Azerbaijan, Iran, Egypt, Israel, and Saudi Arabia.
Announcing the report on Tuesday, December 9, RSF Director-General Christophe Deloire condemned what he described as rising crimes against journalists driven by the impunity of governments. He warned that the failure of international institutions to protect journalists—especially in armed conflicts—reflects a global retreat from political courage.
Deloire added that the inability of international bodies to ensure the safety of reporters in wartime is the result of governments losing the resolve to implement public policies that safeguard journalists.
A Deadlier World for Reporters
The RSF report includes dedicated sections on journalists working in conflict zones such as Russia, Ukraine, Sudan, and Syria, warning that these areas have become increasingly deadly.
RSF reports that 43 percent of all journalists killed in the past 12 months died in Gaza, where Israeli military operations have taken a devastating toll on local media workers. The report also notes that in Ukraine, Russian forces continue to deliberately target both foreign and Ukrainian journalists, while Sudan remains one of the most lethal environments for media professionals.
Iran Among Top Countries Forcing Journalists Into Exile
In addition to its high number of imprisoned journalists, Iran is listed among the top 10 countries producing the most journalists in exile. Afghanistan, Russia, Sudan, Belarus, Myanmar, El Salvador, and Kyrgyzstan also appear on this list, with Iran ranking fourth.
Of more than 40 media outlets receiving RSF assistance this year, 19 belong to newsrooms from Afghanistan, Russia, Sudan, Iran, Belarus, Myanmar, El Salvador, and Kyrgyzstan—all continuing their work from abroad.
RSF states that more than half of all journalists seeking emergency assistance in 2025 were forced to flee their countries, representing applicants from 44 nations.
The report concludes that 2025 will be remembered as the year press freedom visibly collapsed, warning that the world is witnessing the erosion of a fundamental democratic pillar in real time.
RSF has urged governments to impose targeted sanctions against officials and institutions responsible for censorship, surveillance, and the detention of journalists.
What Is Happening Inside Iran?
Press freedom in Iran has sharply deteriorated since the nationwide protests of 2022. The regime intensified its crackdown on independent reporting, and restrictions have only tightened further following the 12-day war between the United States and Israel against the Iranian regime.
United Nations experts have called on Tehran to end its post-ceasefire repression, warning that the Iranian regime authorities must not use the aftermath of the conflict as a pretext to silence dissent or escalate persecution.
Over the past year, following events such as the explosion at Rajaei Port, the 12-day war, and the activation of the snapback mechanism against the Iranian regime, numerous journalists have been interrogated or threatened for their online activity.
Security agencies—particularly the Ministry of Intelligence and the IRGC Intelligence Organization—have repeatedly summoned, questioned, or arrested reporters simply for posting content on social media.
As RSF highlights, Iran is entering 2025 as one of the world’s most dangerous environments for journalists, both inside and outside its borders, with no indication that repression will ease.
