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.

Lina Chawaf, founder of Radio Rozana, reflects on Syria’s uncertain future after Assad’s fall. While celebrating his ousting, she voices concerns about the new Islamist regime’s media stance. Her team continues reporting despite risks, navigating a volatile landscape for independent journalism.

Exiled Myanmar journalists in Thailand are facing new threats: A proposed law could force nonprofits to shut down, silencing vital independent reporting and paving the way for disinformation to dominate.

Juan Luis Font, director and host of the daily radio talk show “ConCriterio” and a co-founder of El Periodico newspaper in Guatemala, is accused of collusion and bribery, charges he denies. The journalist, who lives in exile in France, told VOA he expected that a warrant would be issued because of his stories on corruption.

Reyhana Masters and Laura Vidal examine how this global scourge is impacting the African and Latin America/Caribbean regions, the specific threat landscape for women journalists, and how those forced to flee can be better supported.

Sanctions targeting Russian propaganda have inadvertently crippled independent journalism. Exiled reporters, battling Kremlin censorship, face funding blockades from Western tech and financial giants, threatening their vital work of delivering uncensored news to Russians.

Defying cancer and constant threats, North Korean defector Kim Seongmin broadcasts uncensored news into North Korea, challenging Pyongyang’s grip on information. Through Free North Korea Radio, he inspires hope among those isolated by censorship—even as Kim Jong-un tightens his authoritarian rule.

Running a news outlet in exile presents unique challenges. For Lola Tagaeva, founder of Verstka, this means reporting under difficult conditions, maintaining journalistic standards, and reaching millions of readers while navigating the complexities of independent journalism abroad.

After stealing Belarus’s 2020 presidential election, Lukashenko forced many independent media organizations into exile. Among them was Nasha Niva, Belarus’s oldest newspaper and a protector of the country’s unique language and culture. Matt Hooper tells the story of Nasha Niva’s struggle to maintain Belarusian identity and journalistic integrity amid Lukashenka’s crackdown.

Exiled journalist Malini Chakrabarty reflects on her journey from India to Scotland, navigating threats, sexism, and racism while fighting for truth and equality. Her story underscores the resilience of women journalists worldwide.

In November The Moscow Times hosted “Women Against the Kremlin”, spotlighting women’s resistance to war and repression. Journalist Ekaterina Kotrikadze, a pioneer of Russia’s #MeToo movement and advocate for gender equality, reflects on women’s rights, propaganda, and journalism in exile.

Since the Taliban regained power, Afghanistan’s media landscape has faced severe restrictions. Al Jazeera English sat down with Lotfullah Najafizada, the former head of Tolo News, to discuss working in exile and keeping the spirit of Afghan journalism alive.

Afghan journalists in exile confront harsh challenges: after escaping Taliban persecution, they now endure poverty, threats of deportation, and years-long waits for humanitarian visas in Pakistan. Many now struggle with mental health crises as Western nations delay promised aid.

Ahead of the COP29 U.N. climate summit in Azerbaijan, the government has escalated its attacks on press freedom, jailing six journalists from the independent outlet Abzas Media on dubious charges since last November. Speaking from exile in Berlin, acting editor-in-chief Leyla Mustafayeva calls it a “total crackdown on Azerbaijani media.”

Journalists from countries such as Afghanistan, Syria and Iran have found a place to work in Istanbul. At a meeting, they talk about the opportunities and risks.

Investigative journalists in Africa have to bear many blows — from repressive governments, corporations trying to silence them, travel and visa restrictions, physical attacks, lawsuits such as SLAPPs, limited funding, and skill and training gaps. Still, they have found ways to overcome those challenges.

The personal and painful reality of life under surveillance is documented in a new film that follows an independent Cuban journalist’s flight into exile. After tough questioning by Cuban police, Abraham Jimenez Enoa relates his ordeal on camera.