Belgium: CFWIJ is appalled by the online harassment against journalist Samira Atillah

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May 29, 2021- Belgian journalist Samira Atillah shared her struggle with cyberbullying on May 25. She shared she is distancing herself from Twitter because of the persistent flow of threats and intimidations targeting her on the platform. CFWIJ stands in solidarity with Samira and condemns the online harassment she has faced. Unfortunately, the social media platform has become toxic for several women journalists. 

In her tweet, Samira stated she is stepping away from Twitter for a while. Despite people telling her to ignore the harassment, it has been persistent for years. She shared, “This is not to say that people manage to intimidate me. I’m only human.” Samira has faced bullying for her work, racist comments, and regular death threats.

CFWIJ documented the case of Marina Rodriguez on May 19 from Mexico. The correspondent for De Política y Algo Mas had received death threats on social media regarding her journalistic activities. Marina described the ordeal in a Facebook post. Marina demanded full-time security because of lethal threats against her. Just days later, on May 28, CFWIJ registered another online harassment case for a CBC news reporter in Toronto. Lauren Pelley endured abuse and threats for her extensive coverage of the COVID-19 pandemic. She was accused of fear-mongering rather than being recognized for her professional efforts. Lauren reports on the global impacts of the pandemic on human lives. 

The pattern of online harassment against women journalists has become commonplace on social media platforms. It is unfortunate that after so many reported cases, the policymakers at these platforms have not created strict measures to stop potential criminals from threatening journalists online. CFWIJ stands in solidarity with Samira Attilah and urges that cybersecurity officials will take notice of threats and harassment she has faced for far too long.