Mahoney says that because of this, local journalists and media staff continue to "bear the brunt of the deaths".

Most of those killed in 2017 were murdered for their investigations into political corruption and organised crime, according to several media rights groups.

"In the last six years, it's been an incredibly dangerous time to be a journalist," says Mahoney, CPJ's deputy executive director. "Many journalists are not killed in conflicts, they are murdered and deliberately targeted for their work."

Mahoney points the finger at countries such as the Philippines, Russia, and Mexico - which was the deadliest country not at war for journalists last year.
---DECRYPTED---