The safety of journalists is a critical issue that affects not only those directly targeted but also the foundations of democracy, freedom of expression, and public access to information. Threats against journalists take many forms — physical violence, legal challenges, online harassment, political pressure, and censorship. Some are forced into exile to continue their work, while others face even graver dangers, including death.

This session will explore journalist safety through powerful personal testimonials. It begins with a debate-style discussion where journalists share their experiences and insights on the risks they face. Following this, participants will break into smaller groups for intimate conversations, allowing for deeper engagement, direct questions, and a more personal understanding of their stories.

This interactive session will feature Aksana Brovach, a freelance journalist who, due to her reporting on human rights issues in Belarus, now lives in exile in Berlin. Joining her is Mortaza Behboudi, an Afghan-born freelance journalist and filmmaker, known for his courageous coverage of conflict zones and refugee crises; he was arrested by the Taliban in January 2023 and endured 284 days of imprisonment before his release in October 2023. We also welcome Georgine Kellermann, a seasoned journalist formerly with WDR (German Public Service Media), whose openness about her journey as a transgender woman has highlighted the importance of diversity and inclusion in media. Marc Marginedas, a Spanish journalist with El Periódico, brings his experience of reporting from conflict zones and surviving captivity by a jihadist group in Syria. Finally, Dušan Miljuš, an investigative journalist with Jutarnji List in Croatia, shares his experiences of exposing crime and corruption, which led to a brutal attack in 2008.