Repression Without Borders

Physical attacks, surveillance, digital violence or the intimidation of family members: Exiled journalists in Germany experience a wide range of repression from their home countries. In some cases, autocracies such as China, Vietnam or Egypt take subtle action against their critics and attacks cannot be clearly attributed to a state actor; in other cases, the actions are obvious and cold-blooded. While the internet has enabled exiled journalists to remain closely connected to their countries of origin and circumvent censorship from afar, authoritarian regimes adapt to the new environment and technological possibilities to control and repress critical voices across borders.

There is no uniform systematization of cases and the number of unreported cases is high. Perpetrators are difficult to hold accountable, yet security authorities have to find ways to support victims. We talk to an affected journalist who has experienced both physical and digital forms of transnational repression. We will also discuss with law enforcement agencies about how they could better protect persecuted people from their home countries - both online and offline.