Overall 139 journalists and media workers died in the exercise of journalism in 2009, International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) annual report reads.

According to IFJ, 2009 is considered the worst year for media killings.

The highest death toll (52) was registered in the Asia Pacific region, followed by America (30), including 13 murders of journalists in Mexico only.

The list also includes 25 media staff killings in various accidents, at that 4 journalists from Georgia, 1-Turkey and 4-Russia.

L.A.