Hessen extends scholarships for persecuted journalists in Gießen!

Hessen extends scholarships for persecuted journalists in Gießen!

As part of the “Hafen of Refuge” program, two Kurdish journalists, Nedim Türfent and Özgür Sevinc Simsek, receive the opportunity to extend their scholarships in Gießen. This is reported by the Frankfurter Rundschau . This ensures the financial support of the State of Hesse by the end of August 2025. Jascha Habeck, spokesman for Science Minister Timon Gremmels (SPD), confirmed a possible three -month extension, since Türfents one -year scholarship expires at the end of May 2025.

nedim Türfent is particularly affected because he and his fiance had to spend several years in prison due to their journalistic work in Turkey. During his detention, which lasted over six and a half years, he was convicted of reporting on human rights violations. He had published a video that documented police violence against Kurdish construction workers and was then charged with terrorist propaganda. Özgür Sevinc Simsek, who was in prison for over five years, was also detained due to her reporting on a press conference.

support from local organizations

The Gießen association "Captured Word" plays a central role in supporting the two journalists. The association not only takes care of Türfent and Simsek, but also about Sergey Davydov, a Russian playwright who will live in Kassel from the end of July. The association is currently evaluating how long the refugees can continue beyond May, while promoting the state program on August 31, 2025 ends.

Since 2012, the “Captured Word” association has been committed to the rights of media professionals and has raised over half a million euros for this concern in the past four years. Nevertheless, the goal of supporting 20 scholarship holders annually was not achieved. The association also organizes exhibitions, lectures and book flea markets to promote freedom of expression and collect donations.

The influence of the program "port of refuge"

The program "Hafen der Refuge" supports people who are suppressed due to their journalistic or artistic activities. The German UNESCO Commission welcomes such initiatives and emphasizes their importance for freedom of the press, not only in Germany, but also in the countries of origin of the scholarship holders. The admission of persecuted journalists can be understood as a breathing space that can also contribute to return to the original professional activity. According to the Ministry of Science and Culture in Wiesbaden, one is also interested in a solution for the scholarship holder, Sahar Ajdamsani previously supported in the program, who refuses to leave the provided accommodation.

In summary, the case of Nedim Türfent and Özgür Sevinc Simsek shows how important scholarship programs such as "harbor of refuge" are in order to offer persecuted journalists a safe environment. Their commitment is supported by working with organizations such as "Reporters Without Borders" and the International Journalist Association, which are committed to the security of journalists. The challenges with which they are confronted extend far beyond personal protection and concern the entire global discussion about freedom of the press.