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Check FAQAbout Marianna
Award-winning photojournalist, journalist and researcher with ten years of experience in journalism, publishing, and communications based in Cambridge, UK but available to travel. I work as a foreign correspondent, journalist, photojournalist, and fixer for a variety of media organisations and international human rights organisations from the UK, the USA, Germany, Finland, Switzerland and others. From 2020-2023 I was the communication manager for a global non-profit working on media and diversity. I have reported from Greece, the wider Balkan region, the UK, Malta and Cyprus I have built a reputation of valid and trustworthy reporting that is trusted by thousands. Through my social media presence, I have managed to create a wide network of contacts and resources. I focus on humanitarian reporting and politics and my expertise is in migration and refugee issues, European politics, gender and feminism, and social movements and protests. In 2017 my story ‘EU-Turkey Deal Fails to Stop Refugee Flow‘ published by Deutsche Welle won a prize at the European Migration Media Award. I am also a member of the National Union of Journalists (UK). In 2015 I was part of the production of 'Macedonia: Tracking Down the Refugee Kidnap Gangs' which won the Foreign Press Association Award for News Story of the Year and the Royal Television Society for the Independent Award. My book 'Crossing Lines - Climbing Walls: Critical Perspectives on Migration in the 21st Century' will be published in the Spring of 2018. I am currently a PhD researcher in Political Science and International Studies at the University of Birmingham. I have a BA in Mediterranean Studies (International Relations and Organisations), University of the Aegean, Greece and an MA in International Relations (Security Studies), University of Birmingham, UK.
Research
Photography
Journalism
Portfolio
Cyprus: Towards an Asylum Crisis
Cyprus, despite its proximity to the Middle East, historically did not receive large numbers of refugees or asylum seekers due to factors such as the illegal status of the northern part of the island, its distance from the rest of the EU, and its non-membership in the Schengen Zone. However, in 2018 and 2019, there was a significant increase in refugee and asylum seeker arrivals, leading to a backlog of asylum applications. This policy brief examines whether this increase can be described as a crisis and its potential impact on the settlement of the Cyprus Problem, using data from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and media analyses.
Tensions boil over in the Balkans
Riots erupted at Greece's border with Macedonia as migrants and asylum seekers, stranded for two weeks, protested against selective border policies. Only refugees from Syria, Iraq, and Afghanistan were allowed entry, leading to frustration among other nationalities. The situation escalated with clashes, looting, and a tragic electrocution incident. Greek authorities offered transportation back to Athens, but few accepted. The situation remained tense with a heavy police presence and expectations of further unrest.
End of Moria Camp Highlights Refugee Trauma: https://www.dw.com/en/end-of-moria-camp-highlights-refugee-trauma/g-54947181
End of Moria camp highlights refugee trauma – DW – 09
The article describes the dire conditions experienced by refugees in Moria, emphasizing the loss of hope among many after the devastating fire that destroyed their temporary shelter. It paints a poignant picture of the refugees' plight, highlighting a particular moment after sunset where dozens gathered to pray and cry in front of a grocery store, seeking hope and a chance for their voices to be heard amidst the chaos and despair.
Trapped on Greek Islands: Refugees Face Overcrowding and Bureaucratic Challenges
The article by Marianna Karakoulaki and Dimitris Tosidis focuses on the dire situation of refugees on the Greek island of Samos. Overcrowded and with inadequate facilities, the camp built for 850 people now hosts over 1,800. Refugees, including Mohammed from Iraq and Maher from Syria, face harsh living conditions, with some resorting to buying containers for shelter. The EU-Turkey refugee deal complicates their situation, limiting movement and prolonging asylum procedures. Frontex is involved in identity screening, while the Greek Asylum Service processes asylum claims, which can take months. Healthcare is stretched thin, with the hospital unable to cope with the demand. Refugees like Ahmad from Syria express a desire to work and contribute to Greece, despite the challenges they face. The article highlights the human aspect of the refugee crisis, the bureaucratic hurdles, and the psychological impact on those seeking asylum.
Life after the Moria refugee camp fire: A tale of a broken system
Journalists Marianna Karakoulaki and Dimitris Tosidis report from Lesbos on the aftermath of a fire that destroyed part of the Moria refugee camp. The camp is described as prison-like, with poor living conditions and restricted media access. Refugees from African countries feel discriminated against by the asylum services, which they believe prioritize Middle Eastern refugees. The article shares personal stories of refugees like Wafor from Nigeria and Michael from Cameroon, who fled due to his sexual orientation. Legal anthropologist Dr. Barbara Harrel-Bond criticizes the asylum process, noting that those handling asylum claims often lack knowledge of refugee law. The EU-Turkey agreement has exacerbated the situation, effectively turning Lesbos into a prison with a slow and discriminatory asylum system.
Life at the Macedonian gate to Europe
Marianna Karakoulaki reports from Idomeni, where the refugee situation is tense following a police action against refugees trying to force open the Macedonian gate to Europe. The camp, designed for 3,000, now holds around 10,000 people, creating a Middle Eastern bazaar atmosphere. Refugees from Kurdistan, particularly Aleppo, have increased due to the Syrian conflict. Sami, a Kurdish architecture student, fled with his family due to threats from 'IS'. Despite the hardships, refugees like Baidar and Ahmed, who studied economics, remain positive and hope to continue their education in Europe. Osman, a Kurdish hairdresser from Aleppo, has set up a makeshift salon in the camp, hoping to eventually open a salon in Germany. The refugees remain hopeful despite the uncertainty of their situation, with some acknowledging the violence and the use of tear gas as a consequence of refugees throwing stones at the police.
Refugees continue to cross the Balkan route into Europe
The article reports on the ongoing movement of refugees through the Balkan route into Europe, despite the EU-Turkey deal intended to curb this flow. It follows the story of Mohammed, a stateless individual from Kuwait, who navigates the perilous journey with the help of smugglers. Despite the EU-Turkey deal, which traps refugees on Greek islands until their asylum applications are processed, many like Mohammed seek alternative paths to reach mainland Europe. The article details the extensive networks of smugglers and the various routes taken by refugees, as well as the costs involved. It also touches on the lives of other refugees stranded in Serbia, their attempts to cross borders, and the involvement of local authorities and other actors in facilitating or hindering their movement. The piece is based on the authors' direct contact with refugees and observations at different points along the route, and it is produced with funding from the Migration Media Award, funded by the EU.
The Greek anti-fascist struggle is far from over
The conviction of Golden Dawn leaders as criminals marks a significant moment in Greece's battle against fascism, but the ideology persists in society. Golden Dawn, a party with neo-Nazi roots, gained parliamentary seats amid Greece's economic crisis by exploiting nationalist sentiments. Despite their political downfall following violent acts, including the murders of Sahzat Lukman and anti-fascist rapper Pavlos Fyssas, fascist ideologies continue to influence Greek politics and media. The anti-fascist movement's persistent activism has been crucial in exposing and combating Golden Dawn's agenda, underscoring the ongoing struggle against fascism in Greece.
Rewriting climate change narratives: artistic approaches to inclusive storytelling
A panel discussion titled 'Rewriting climate change narratives: artistic approaches to inclusive storytelling' explored the intersection of media development and artistic practices in climate storytelling. Key speakers included Karla Mendes, Boris van Westering, Todd M Henry, Rayen Rupayan, and Constanza Dougnac, representing various organizations such as the Society of Environmental Journalists, Mongabay, and FIMA NGO. The discussion emphasized the importance of connecting journalists with marginalized communities and using diverse storytelling methods to address climate change.
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