France: CFWIJ condemns the threats against journalist Claire Koç

March 25, 2021 — Journalist Claire Koç accused supporters of Turkish President Erdogan of sending her death threats online. The attacks reportedly came after the publication of Claire’s book that details her experience in France as a Turkish immigrant. Claire has since filed a criminal complaint against the perpetrators. CFWIJ condemns the threats against the journalist and demands French authorities apprehend the assailants.

A journalist and second-generation Turkish immigrant, Claire Koç, became the target of vile online trolling and death threats after publishing her book, Claire, Le Prénom de la Honte (Claire, the Name of Shame). The book discusses Claire’s experience integrating into the French culture given her Turkish heritage and the anger this assimilation can attract. In an interview, she told French daily Le Figaro that following the publicity of her book, she “started to receive a lot of insults, especially on Twitter. Then threats”. Claire registered a complaint against these accounts, and her lawyer claims that the threats originated from Erdogan supporters based in France, some even tried to find her residential address. 

The appalling Twitter campaign accused Claire of betraying her country and called for “real bullets” to be used against her as punishment. The post alleging treason was published alongside a Turkish flag and a grey wolf’s head — a reference to the emblem of the far-right Turkish nationalist movement. Other posts attempted to frame Claire as a member of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party, a group that the Turkish authorities have labeled a terrorist organization. Claire has repeatedly clarified that she holds no connection to the Kurdish movement in any way and reiterated how the false accusations make her fearful for her safety. Through this tumultuous time, Claire has found support in French representatives. Sen. Valerie Boyer, for example, came to her aid and said it is “intolerable that she has been harassed because she loves France too much. How long are these threats going to continue?”.

The Coalition For Women In Journalism condemns the threats and organized troll campaigns targeting Claire. The Turkish state has emboldened right-wing voices with its repeated attempts to persecute any critic. The vicious threats against Claire are a clear example of the dangers associated with antagonistic rhetoric. Such provocation could manifest dire consequences for vulnerable groups within Turkey and beyond its borders. Online troll campaigns must be dismantled, and the perpetrators identified and subdued. We urge French authorities to ensure the protection of Claire Koç and all other journalists from potential attacks.