Hazal Ocak

(Journalist from Turkey, JiR in 2024)

I had been following ECPMF’s JiR Programme in Leipzig for a long time. Before I applied, I was hesitant to stay away from Turkey for 6 months, but I was very tired during the trial processes of the lawsuits filed against me due to the news I reported. I needed a break to realize my projects.

Thanks to this programme, I gained a new perspective. I started to look at the world and journalism from a different perspective. I attended journalism training, I took German lessons. I met a very nice, helpful and friendly team like the ECPMF team. They were always there for me to make the most of this time. I want to thank them again, they reminded me of solidarity.

I loved the city of Leipzig, its calmness, its nature, but I loved the ECPMF team even more.