Location: Bahrain
Date: January 8, 2021

Prominent Bahraini journalist Ahdeya Ahmad reveals she was bullied and harassed on social media for her stance on peace. She received online abuse for her support of the normalisation of relations between Bahrain and Israel. Ahdeya is the president of the Bahrain Journalists Association. She asked for support while hosting a webinar with the American Jewish Press Association.

Ahdeya Ahmed AlSayed, who is most likely going to head the delegation of journalists from Bahrain to Israel this year, has shown her support for the Abraham Accords. Three months ago, Bahrain signed the pact, beginning the process of normalising relations with Israel. Ahdeya Ahmed AlSayed requested support on Thursday during a videoconference organized by the American Jewish Press Association (AJPA). She was invited to discuss the Bahraini public's reaction to the peace agreement.

During the conversation, Ahdeya conveyed her need for more support behind her stance on the pact. She mentioned that overall, journalists in Bahrain support the normalization of relations with Israel, but there is a need for international attention. She continued to express how AJPA’s involvement could help the developing situation. Ahdeya explained her fears that should she not garner the support she needs, maybe no journalist will come forward to speak freely about their ideas.

Ahdeya explained how she has been targeted on social media. She revealed the emotional toll the harassment has on her and how hurtful the online persecution can be. Ahdeya admitted her grief, asserting that the culprits have crossed the line. She stated that it has been quite taxing, not only for herself but for her husband and three sons, who often read the hateful posts.
Ariella Steinreich, head of Steinreich Communications for the Middle East, tweeted about Ahdeya Ahmad's experience while reporting on the Abraham Accords.

The Coalition For Women In Journalism believes that Ahdeya Ahmad, and all women journalists, should be able to openly express their opinions without interference and intimidation. We sincerely hope that she will get the necessary support to persevere amidst such hostility. We stand in solidarity with Ahdeya Ahmad throughout this tumultuous time.

The CFWIJ strongly condemns the police brutality against journalists. We demand the immediate return of the press cards seized from the security forces. Policies to intimidate journalists should be abandoned, and journalism should be practiced under the criteria of freedom of the press.

If you have been harassed or abused in any way, and please report the incident by using the following form.