Turkish Cypriot Journalist Faces Death Threats After Exposing Corruption; Source Murdered in Netherlands
May 9, 2025
Kashmiri Journalist Hilal Mir Detained Over Social Media Post Allegedly Promoting Secessionist Sentiment
May 9, 2025
May 09, 2025 – Germany –
On May 3, 2025, journalists, scholars, and artists convened at the Haus am Dom cultural center in Frankfurt to commemorate World Press Freedom Day. The event, titled “Sichtbar verstummt?” (“Visibly Silenced?”), marked the inaugural session of the “Frankfurter Gespräche” (“Frankfurt Talks”) series. Co-hosted by Haus am Dom and the International Journalists Association (IJA)—a press organization established by Turkish journalists in exile in Germany in 2017—the gathering focused on the escalating challenges faced by journalists, particularly those in exile, amidst increasing political repression and digital censorship.
The discussions highlighted the multifaceted threats confronting journalism today. Speakers addressed the rise of authoritarian regimes employing sophisticated digital tools to suppress dissent and manipulate information. Concerns were raised about the proliferation of spyware, attacks on encryption, and the weaponization of cybercrime laws to silence journalists and human rights defenders. These digital threats, coupled with traditional forms of censorship and intimidation, have created an environment where journalists operate under constant threat, both online and offline.
A significant portion of the event was dedicated to the experiences of journalists in exile. Attendees shared personal accounts of fleeing their home countries due to persecution and the challenges of continuing their work from abroad. The IJA emphasized the importance of supporting exiled journalists, who often face isolation and limited resources, yet play a crucial role in providing independent reporting on repressive regimes.
The event also underscored the necessity for international solidarity and the protection of press freedom as a cornerstone of democratic societies. Participants called for greater support for journalists at risk, including legal assistance, secure communication tools, and platforms to amplify their voices. The gathering concluded with a renewed commitment to defending the rights of journalists worldwide and ensuring that the press can operate free from fear and coercion.
Reference –
https://ijaev.org/visibly-silenced-the-opening-of-the-frankfurt-talks-for-world-press-freedom-day/
