Russia: CFWIJ is alarmed by the threats against journalist Anna Mongayt

July 13, 2021- Anna Mongayt, a presenter for Dozhd TV, received online threats after interviewing a same-sex couple for Elle magazine. She revealed the details of the threats against her in a Facebook post. Reportedly, the supporters of a right-wing movement sent unsettling messages to Anna over Instagram. Followers of a movement called Male State called her a "creature" and warned her, "walk and look around". CFWIJ is alarmed by the callous nature of these attacks. As online threats morph far too often into physical assaults, we demand immediate action against the perpetrators behind these threats.

Anna shared in her Facebook post, "After the interview, I began to receive threats to stab children, etc. from the Male State. Examples are in the comments. I hope you know what it is. MG is a homophobic state in our common homophobic state, Russia. From my vacation in Greece where I'm currently, this somehow got me home real quick".

A social media user demanded a public apology from Anna, "Otherwise, gifts will start flying in through a window at night". The Telegram channel of the Male State movement also published the Instagram account links of Anna and the couple she interviewed. Her employer organization, Dozahd, plans to involve law enforcement to take necessary action. 

The interview of the same-sex couple was aired on July 8 on Dozhd TV. The presenter asked the women how they decided to take such a bold decision to come out publicly and whether they were hiding their sexuality earlier. 

The Coalition For Women In Journalism condemns the online threats against Anna Mongayt and demands cybersecurity officials apprehend the perpetrators behind these attacks. CFWIJ has documented several cases of threats to press freedom and violations against journalists in the country. We hope that with government support, Anna and other women journalists will be spared from online threats.