RSF data reveals: Working independently is a major challenge for journalists in Turkey

According to data from RSF International's assistance office, at least one journalist has been forced into exile in 65 countries; in 20 of these, at least 10 journalists have been forced to leave their home countries.

The number of affected countries has doubled in five years, rising from 19 in 2021 to 40 in 2025. During the same period, an increase was also observed in the number of exiled journalists receiving assistance from RSF: 235 in 2021 and 243 in 2025.

However, many of these journalists are still not safe in the countries where they have found temporary refuge. In Pakistan, the insecure environment created by tensions between the Pakistani government and the Taliban regime persists.

In 2023, a policy of mass deportation of Afghan refugees was initiated. As a result, at least 50 journalists were forcibly returned to Afghanistan. Residence visas for Afghan exiles are now rarely renewed, leaving them in an illegal status.

TURKEY STANDS OUT FOR HOSTING JOURNALISTS WHILE FAILING TO PROTECT PRESS FREEDOM

In some countries, the welcoming of journalists fleeing conflict zones coincides with the exile of local reporters who criticize the authorities. Since 2021, Egypt has provided a sanctuary for at least 31 journalists supported by RSF, the majority of whom are Sudanese and Palestinian. Some continue to report from within the country, such as Sudanese media organizations that have established operations there. In total, it is estimated that more than 300 journalists have fled the conflict in Sudan to Egypt.

However, these media organizations continue to remain under the threat of censorship by the Sudanese government with the help of its Egyptian ally.

A journalist who requested anonymity told RSF in 2025, "Intimidation acts, ranging from being exiled from the country to death threats and smear campaigns, specifically targeted the program's host; the host was forced to make a statement supporting the Sudanese army."

Furthermore, at least 11 journalists have fled Egypt during the same period. The country remains one of the world's largest prisons for journalists, with 18 journalists currently detained for doing their jobs.

The RSF report shows that a similar trend is occurring in Turkey.

As a regional hub for refugees, it appears that at least 46 journalists exiled from Afghanistan, Palestine, or Syria have settled there since 2021. 

However, working independently remains a major challenge for journalists in Turkey. According to data from RSF's assistance program, at least 10 journalists fled the country between 2021 and 2025. Within the country, journalists continue to face prosecution for their reporting.