On May 6, 2025, the Haus am Dom, in cooperation with the International Journalists Association (IJA), launched the new event series “Frankfurt Talks/Frankfurter Gespräche” in celebration of World Press Freedom Day. The first event in the series, titled “Visibly Silenced,” addressed the increasingly urgent question: How does journalism survive in a world where press freedom is under growing pressure due to political repression, digital censorship, and the necessity of exile?
Opening by Prof. Dr. Joachim Valentin
Prof. Dr. Joachim Valentin, Director of the Haus am Dom, emphasized in his welcoming speech the essential role of media in democracy and referred to the devastating consequences of the erosion of press freedom, which, as he said, could mean the end of any democracy. He quoted Niklas Luhmann: “Everything we know, we know from the mass media.” He captured the central message of the event: “Our goal is for there to be fewer and fewer exiled journalists worldwide and fewer and fewer journalists who must fear for their lives and the health of their families.”
The Artistic Initiative “Truth Fighters/ Wahrheitskämpfer“
An interesting insight of the evening was the presentation of the artistic initiative “Truth Fighters,” created by Susanne Köhler and Gerhard Keller. This collection of over 800 portraits of murdered and imprisoned journalists from around the world is more than just a traveling exhibition. It is a moving memorial that honors the tireless efforts of journalists for the truth while giving a visual presence to those persecuted. Köhler and Keller described their work as an attempt to go beyond the mere act of remembrance – their portraits aim to create a space of solidarity and amplify the call to fight for press freedom. They explained that the artistic initiative is not only a visual act but also an urgent invitation to offer support.
Fatma Zibak: Exile as Resistance
Fatma Zibak, Editor-in-Chief of Turkish Minute, gave an emotional insight into her experiences as an exiled journalist. Zibak, who once worked for Today’s Zaman, described the dramatic transformation in Turkey following the failed coup attempt in 2016 and the subsequent persecution of journalists. She recounted how her newspaper was closed under the pretext of “terrorism” and how she was forced into exile. With Turkish Minute, a platform that offers critical reporting onTurkey, Zibak continues her work and gives a voice to those silenced by the regime. For Zibak, exile means more than just a safe place – it is a stage to tell the stories of persecuted and suppressed journalists to the world. Her work in exile is an act of responsibility and hope that something will change in Turkey one day.
Bedrettin Uğur: Documenting the Truth
Bedrettin Uğur, a documentary filmmaker and journalist, spoke about the increased repression against journalists in Turkey after the failed coup attempt. Uğur, who fled into exile in 2017, explained that his work as a documentary filmmaker is more than just recording stories – it is an attempt to preserve collective memory and create an alternative to the narratives controlled by authoritarian regimes. Uğur spoke about the psychological and emotional strains that come with working in exile and the need to build trust in order to tell the stories of the persecuted. He emphasized that exiled journalism is not only an archive of the past but also a living, active part of the resistance against political persecution.
Yasemin Aydın: The Digital Dimension of Censorship
Yasemin Aydın from the International Journalists Association (IJA) focused on digital censorship and the role of non-profit media in an increasingly commercialized media landscape. She explained how digital platforms today represent one of the greatest threats to press freedom – not through direct state interference but through invisible algorithmic censorship that affects the visibility of independent voices and content. Aydın emphasized the importance of exiled journalists who, despite digital repression, continue to offer important perspectives and are often the only objective news source for populations in undemocratic states. She highlighted how the IJA supports the work of exiled journalists and brings their experience together with young journalists to promote their work. Aydın stressed the need to preserve media diversity and journalistic independence and introduced the IJA’s new fellowship: the IJA FELLOWSHIP, which connects underprivileged young journalists with renowned media organizations and helps them overcome barriers.
The discussion made it clear that protecting journalists and ensuring a free, diverse media landscape is more than ever a collective responsibility. The event called on the international community to take stronger action to protect exiled journalists and combat the growing digital censorship. The “Truth Fighters” initiative was highlighted as an impressive example of how art and journalism can merge to preserve and actively support the importance of press freedom.
“Visibly Silenced” marked the beginning of the “Frankfurter Gespräche /Frankfurt Talks” a series that will continue to engage with pressing societal issues.
