Syria, France most dangerous countries for journalists in 2015

A report released by the Committee to Protect Journalists reveals that Syria and France are the most dangerous countries for journalists in 2015.

The Islamic State and al-Qaida were responsible for the deaths of 28 journalists, CPJ said in its annual report. Worldwide, 69 journalists were killed between Jan. 1 and Dec. 23.

"The most common beat covered by victims was politics, followed by war and human rights," CPJ writes in the report.

"At least 28 of the 47 murder victims received threats before they were killed."

In Syria, 13 journalists were killed -- less than in recent years due to journalists fleeing the country and news organizations choosing not to send staff to the war-stricken nation.

In France, nine journalists were killed -- including eight in the Charlie Hedbo massacre in January. UPI reported.

The total deaths also include the killings of a publisher and four bloggers in Bangladesh -- all who were stabbed or hacked to death in public.

The most dangerous job for journalist is broadcast reporting, as 25 in that occupation were killed.

"For the first time since 2007, CPJ did not document a single journalist killed in direct relation to work in the Philippines," CPJ reported.

"However, at least seven journalists were killed in unclear circumstances, and CPJ continues to investigate these cases for a work-related motive."

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