The Investigation Unit of Free Press Unlimited: justice for murdered journalists
Every week, somewhere in the world, a journalist is killed for exposing corruption, abuse of power or organised crime. In nearly 80 percent of these cases, the perpetrators go unpunished. This impunity poses a direct threat to press freedom and democracy.
On the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists (2 November 2025), we remember the journalists who were murdered because of their work. But it is also a time to emphasise that justice remains possible. Since 2021, the Investigative Unit of Free Press Unlimited has been examining unresolved cases of murdered journalists around the world – from the Philippines, Mexico and Brazil to Pakistan. The goal? To uncover new evidence, reopen cases with local authorities, and pursue justice for the victims, their families, and the wider journalistic community.
Investigations that make a difference
In the first four years after its establishment alone, the Investigative Unit investigated 17 cases, seven of which resulted in in-depth investigative reports. These investigations have led to tangible outcomes in several countries. From the reinstatement of arrest warrants to new court proceedings and international pressure on governments to meet their obligations.
For example, the investigation into the murder of Gerry Ortega, a Filipino journalist who exposed corruption, resulted in renewed legal action against the alleged mastermind behind his killing, former governor Joel T. Reyes.
“The evidence against Reyes is overwhelming, but he has managed to obstruct and delay the judicial process,” says Jos Bartman, Head of Investigations at the Investigative Unit. In August this year, Reyes was convicted on 11 counts of corruption. “The conviction of Joel T. Reyes is an acknowledgement of the importance of Gerry Ortega’s work — a journalist who reported on Reyes’ corruption and was murdered as a result. It underscores the urgent need for accountability in Ortega’s killing,” Bartman adds.
→ Want to know more about the Gerry Ortega case? Read the full interview with Jos Bartman here.
In Pakistan, the team’s work led to the reopening of the investigation into the murder of journalist Zubair Mujahid.
In Brazil, the report on Pedro Palma brought new witness statements and evidence to light. And in Greece, the case of Sokratis Giolias resulted in international pressure from the Council of Europe on the Greek authorities.
The impact of our investigations
In recent years, the Investigation Unit has not only examined individual cases but also developed new strategies to advance justice. Together with families, local journalists and lawyers, the team explored alternative legal avenues, such as the People’s Tribunal on the Murder of Journalists, where states were publicly held accountable.
These successes show that persistent investigation can truly make a difference, even years after the crime. That makes the Investigation Unit a vital part of Free Press Unlimited: an international research centre that investigates the killings of journalists, gathers evidence, and collaborates with law enforcement, journalists and civil society organisations worldwide.
Continuing the work in turbulent times
This work continues in a period when violence against journalists is once again on the rise. Since October 2023, at least 240 journalists have been killed in the occupied Palestinian territories, Israel and Lebanon. In Sudan, space for independent reporting remains extremely limited. And in so many other places, journalists are being targeted, at home, at work, in the street - simply for doing their job.
The message of the video we share on the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists is clear:
“Every reopened case, every new finding, is proof that change is possible.
On this 2nd of November, we stand with those who seek the truth and help fight impunity for crimes against journalists.”
— Jasmijn de Zeeuw, Legal Adviser and Researcher at Free Press Unlimited
At a time when press freedom is under pressure, we must continue to pursue the truth and hold those responsible for the killings of journalists to account. Only then can we achieve justice.
