JX Fund – European Fund for Journalism in Exile

Since the Taliban regained power in 2021, Afghanistan’s media landscape has undergone drastic changes, marked by severe restrictions on press freedom. Journalists face constant threats, censorship, and violence, especially when covering topics like women’s rights, human rights, and the actions of the Afghan government.

Since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine began in 2022, the Russian regime has targeted journalists on the frontlines with deliberate attacks, leading to numerous deaths and injuries among women reporters. This campaign of terror aims to suppress independent reporting and obscure the realities of the conflict.

This report challenges the claims that there is no civil society to speak of inside the Russian Federation and that most of its activists are now in exile. A significant number of independent and democratically oriented initiatives and organizations continue to operate throughout the country to address societal issues through civic engagement. These should be acknowledged.

FRF Think Tank presents a policy brief addressing the situation of Russian citizens seeking protection in the EU, set against the backdrop of a severely deteriorating human rights situation in Russia following its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

A third of the victims of Russia’s “foreign agents” law are independent media, which makes them the primary target of this legislation — and highlights their systematic legal persecution. Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has analysed the Ministry of Justice’s blacklists of “foreign agents” and “undesirable organisations” – which are used as tools of censorship – and condemns the stigmatisation of independent media as a fifth column.

The legal basis for combating independent media and media professionals in Russia emerged in the 2010s. In the 2020s, the state significantly expanded its options for repression. Media outlets and individuals were declared foreign agents and the number of cases against media professionals based on extremism paragraphs increased. This report provides an overview of the latest developments.

According to a survey of Russian media professionals in exile, most of them do not live in the EU but in other countries (Georgia, Armenia, Central Asia, Serbia, etc.) despite the high risks due to a lack of legal options and insufficient financial resources. On behalf of RSF, the Russian human rights organization Mass Media Defence Center has prepared an analysis of the situation of independent journalists from Russia in exile.

The journalism landscape in Afghanistan has undergone a significant and distressing transformation following the withdrawal of American forces from Afghanistan and the return of the Taliban to power in August 2021.

The death of Aleksei A. Navalny in a Russian prison has been a blow to an opposition movement in which he was the figurehead. But it has also raised hopes of a united front against President Vladimir V. Putin.

After three years of working in exile, the Belarusian media has entered another turbulent period. Not all media companies are likely to survive this phase unscathed. Are there solutions?

Amid Russia’s suppression, exiled independent journalists turn to NGOs for financial support. Facing challenges in adapting to a new sector, media-NGOs navigate fundraising and accountability.

This report highlights the Taliban’s controlled media strategy, allowing room for resilience. Despite ongoing repression, media in exile is gaining strength, effectively countering disinformation.

Amid intensified pressure on Kremlin-critical media in Russia and Belarus, hundreds of journalists seek refuge abroad, fostering free journalism in the face of increased repression.

Amid Taliban’s media control, journalists confront threats and censorship. Still, exiled and independent media grow stronger. Technical and financial support play a crucial role.

Despite state censorship, YouTube remains a vital space for diverse voices, acting as an alternative information source. The platform’s popularity poses challenges for potential state restrictions.

Putin’s Russia: An espionocracy, shaped by spy tactics, addresses challenges like the growing exile community. Insights into Europe’s Edge by Andrei Soldatov and Irina Borogan.

The media landscape in Belarus shifted significantly post-2020 elections, with increased pressure on independent outlets. Despite challenges, some exiled platforms draw considerable readership.