CPJ categorizes killings as “Confirmed as work-related” when there is credible, verifiable evidence that the death was related to the individual’s work as a journalist or media worker.
“Confirmed as work-related” killings are further classified as:
- “Crossfire,” which CPJ defines as a killing on a battlefield or in a military context;
- “Dangerous Assignment,” which CPJ defines as a killing while covering a demonstration, riot, clash between rival groups, mob situation, etc.; this includes assignments (including travel to and from reporting) that are not expected to entail physical risk but turn violent unexpectedly;
- “Murder,” which CPJ defines as a targeted killing, whether premeditated or spontaneous, in direct reprisal for the journalist’s work. This classification should not be taken to suggest that any of the other killings recorded in our database are considered lawful, but rather that CPJ has not been able to determine whether that individual was killed in direct reprisal for journalism.
- “Unknown,” when preliminary information supports multiple classifications while CPJ continues to investigate.
The classification process involves careful evaluation and reevaluation of available information from multiple sources, including family, colleagues, media reports, civil society, and government or independent investigations. Classifications may be changed as additional information becomes known.
“Suspected as work-related” killings are those where CPJ suspects a link to journalism, but lacks sufficient proof or where the circumstances remain unclear. CPJ continues to investigate these cases to determine if the killing was work-related.