The media freedom group Reporters Without Borders says violence against journalists escalated in 2005.
In its annual Press Freedom report today-Wednesday, the French-based group says 68 journalists and media assistants were killed last year 63 journalists and 5 media assistants.
That total is the same figure as 2004, 53 journalists and 15 media assistants, but physical attacks or threats against journalists rose to 1300 an increase of about 150.
For the third consecutive year, Iraq was named the world's most dangerous country for journalists, with 29 journalists and assistants killed 24 journalists, 5 media assistants.
The group says violence against reporters increased in Africa, and attacks against journalists are almost daily occurrences in Bangladesh and Nepal.
Meanwhile, the group says 129 journalists and media assistants, and another 70 cyberdissidents, are languishing in prisons. The report says China again has the most journalists in detention 32, followed by Cuba 24.
