Finland fails to adequately support exiled journalists, report finds

A new report criticises Finland for insufficient support of journalists fleeing persecution, particularly from Russia, Iraq, Somalia, and Afghanistan. The study, commissioned by eight Finnish press freedom organisations, states that Finland’s indifference contributes to silencing exiled media workers in the country.

The report highlights a lack of emergency visa systems—common in other nations—that would allow threatened journalists and their families to quickly reach safety. It also notes that Finland provides refuge but rarely enables exiled journalists to continue working, especially if their Finnish language skills are limited.

To address the issue, the study proposes improving employment opportunities and strengthening community media, where exiled journalists could collaborate with colleagues from their home countries.

Finland also ranks poorly in supporting global press freedom. In the 2025 International Media Freedom Support study, which assessed 30 countries’ foreign policy backing for media freedom, Finland placed 19th—despite its traditionally strong domestic press freedoms. The Baltic states and Sweden led the index, with Lithuania in first place, followed by Sweden, Estonia, and Latvia.

Many journalists fleeing Russia, for example, have opted for Latvia or Southern Europe due to better support structures and work opportunities. The report was based on 48 interviews, including 22 with exiled journalists from various countries, and funded by the Foundation for Journalistic Culture (JOKES) alongside seven other press freedom groups.