Exiled voices: German film sheds light on persecution of journalists, featuring Belarusians
The Association of Journalists and Lawyers for Freedom of Expression (JAM e.V.), established in December 2022 in Berlin, has released a documentary film, “Our Wonderful Past: Media Capture and Journalism in Exile.” The film features Belarusian journalists Ales Liauchuk and Siarhei Balai.
The 22-minute documentary by JAM e.V. examines the systematic suppression of media and freedom of expression by authoritarian regimes in Belarus, Turkey, and Russia. Through interviews with journalists in exile, the film’s crew sought to convey their experiences of persecution, the takeover of the independent press, and the work of journalists who risk their lives to stand up for the truth.
Ales Liauchuk and Siarhei Balai discuss the harsh repression of opposition in Belarus under President Aliaksandr Lukashenka and the subsequent violent crackdown following the 2020 presidential election, which resulted in the complete shutdown of independent media outlets.
The Association of Journalists and Lawyers for Freedom of Expression is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting journalists in exile who have been forced to flee repressive regimes and authoritarian environments. It provides essential legal and professional assistance, strengthens ties, and helps integrate these courageous journalists into the existing media landscape in Germany and throughout Europe.
![](https://baj.media/wp-content/themes/baj/assets/images/telegram-logo.jpg)