Record number of journalists killed

The Committee to Protect Journalists says at least 68 journalists were killed in 2009, the highest one-year tally ever documented by the group.

The record toll was largely due to the slaughter of 30 media workers in the Philippine province of Maguindanao on November 23, and was 60% higher than the 42 deaths recorded in 2008.

CPJ deputy director Robert Mahoney said the killings represented a disturbing trend, especially in Somalia where nine journalists were killed.