IJA, Frankfurt- In the audio documentary “Back to Zero. Journalists in German Exile” by WDR 5 DOKU, Patrick Batarilo sheds light on the moving stories of journalists who had to flee their home countries for political reasons and are now living in exile in Germany. The documentary presents, among others, the Turkish investigative journalist Cevheri Güven, a Russian photographer, a Ukrainian journalist and a Somali reporter, who all continue to fight against repression and censorship in different ways and try to improve conditions in their countries of origin.
Cevheri Güven: A Turkish journalist in exile
The audio documentary by German public broadcaster WDR describes how Cevheri Güven lives in a modest, isolated village. Once editor-in-chief of the opposition magazine Nokta, he now runs one of the most influential anti-government YouTube channels in Turkey. His investigative work reaches millions of followers who follow his reporting on political and social developments in Turkey. Güven, who fled to Germany in 2016 after the Turkish authorities charged him with “denigrating the president” and “terror propaganda”, continues to report fearlessly on the abuses in his home country. But this also has its price in Germany. Also for his wife and children.
“Sometimes, when the threats get too strong, my wife asks me: ‘Can’t you do something else? “But if I changed my job, I would be sad for the rest of my life. I would have betrayed my country. I will be a journalist for the rest of my life.”
In addition to Güven, the audio documentary also tells the stories of other journalists. The photographer from Russia, who remains anonymous, lives in secluded isolation in Leipzig and obsessively devotes himself to photo galleries that depict the truth about the war of aggression in Ukraine. His work aims to break through the state propaganda in Russia and make the reality of the conflict visible.
In the heart of Berlin, the Somali journalist is campaigning for the safety of his colleagues in Somalia after a traumatic escape. Despite his own experiences of violence and threats, he advises journalists in his home country from afar on how they can protect themselves from danger.
The role of the International Journalists Association (IJA)
The International Journalists Association (IJA), co-founded by Güven, supports exiled journalists like him – the IJA offers legal help, connects journalists with international media and organizes events to draw attention to the precarious situation of press freedom. “The IJA is a network and mouthpiece for journalists in exile that campaigns for press freedom and human rights,” emphasizes Güven.
Patrick Batarilo describes the IJA as the place where Turkey’s free press now sits – experienced, charming, metropolitan and self-confident. The IJA enables exiled journalists to continue their work and makes the stories and reports of these journalists known internationally. Despite the challenges of integration in Germany and the personal burdens associated with life in exile, the work of these journalists remains crucial. They show that journalism from exile can continue to be a strong voice for truth and justice.
The audio documentary ends with a reflection on the impact of exile journalism on the journalists’ home countries. Although the emotional burden of exile weighs heavily, the story of Cevheri Güven and his colleagues at the IJA shows that their commitment and reporting play an important role in shedding light and influencing public opinion.
With millions of followers and an unwavering will, exiled journalists have found a permanent place in the hearts of many people who yearn for uncensored news and authentic reporting. Their efforts symbolize the enduring courage and importance of exiled journalism.
The audio documentary is available at the following link:
https://www1.wdr.de/radio/wdr5/sendungen/dok5/feature-back-zero-journalisten-im-exil-100.html
