In the small village of Schmerwitz, Germany, a former training school for combat troops has been transformed into a refuge for exiled or refugee journalists. The House of Critical Voices, run by the non-profit organization Media in Cooperation and Transition (MiCT), provides a safe space for journalists from countries such as Iran, Afghanistan, Kenya, and South Africa to continue reporting on human rights abuses in their home countries.
The need for such a refuge is evident as political repression and attacks on press freedom have increased worldwide. According to the Committee to Protect Journalists, 99 reporters were killed last year alone, marking a 44% increase from the previous year. The World Press Freedom Index published by Reporters Without Borders (RSF) also highlights the intensification of detention of journalists and suppression of independent media.
For Hawar, a Kurdish environmental activist who fled Iran after being threatened for his reporting on dam-building projects impacting his city’s water supply, the House of Critical Voices offers safety and an opportunity to continue his work. Each fellow at the house has their own bedroom and shares communal spaces like kitchens and co-working areas. The house is equipped with satellite internet access, podcast studios, video-editing suites, and even a small gym.
MiCT’s work extends beyond Schmerwitz; they also provide housing in Berlin for journalists who have made it to Germany independently. Aya from Sudan emphasizes her responsibility to report on events in her country that often go unnoticed by Western media.
While living in exile can be challenging due to cultural differences and loss of social connections built back home, Lorens from Syria appreciates meeting others who share similar experiences at the House of Critical Voices.
MiCT’s efforts are supported by organizations like Hannah Arendt Initiative which receives funding from Germany’s foreign ministry. Co-founder Klaas Glenewinkel explains that they started offering help within journalists’ home countries but expanded their support when demands increased.
For Sareh from Iran who arrived at the house via Georgia and Turkey after facing persecution back home due to her photography work without hijabs being censored by authorities says that being at the House of Critical Voices has given her hope for freedom again.
The House of Critical Voices serves as both a physical shelter and an empowering community where exiled journalists can find solace while continuing their vital work exposing human rights abuses around the world.
