Women Press Freedom concerned over escalating attacks targeting journalists of color in France

Location: France
Date: June 25, 2024

Women Press Freedom urges French authorities to immediately investigate the racist attack targeting Nassira El Moaddem through a letter sent to her mother. This is not isolated but part of a broader trend of racist attacks against journalists in France. The letter to El Moaddem coincided with a similar attack on journalist Karim Rissouli, illustrating a coordinated effort to intimidate and silence journalists of minority backgrounds. Just last month, Women Press Freedom documented how El Moaddem was subjected to an online harassment campaign instigated by far-right trolls after she commented about racism on X. Women Press Freedom urges French authorities to treat these attacks with the utmost urgency. Racist harassment of journalists must not be allowed to occur with impunity.

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On June 25, 2024, Arrêt sur Images journalist Nassira El Moaddem reported receiving a racist letter sent to her mother's address. The letter addressed to El Moaddem's mother stated: "You should tell Nassira to sh**t up or go abroad."

Women Press Freedom analyzed the letter, which shares characteristics with one received by French journalist Karim Rissouli on the same day. Both letters are written on identical envelopes, suggesting they originate from the same person.

"The same person, the same hatred. We are suffocating under your racism," says El Moaddem.

The letter followed a wave of cyberbullying in May 2024 that targeted El Moaddem. The online harassment, documented by Women Press Freedom, escalated following remarks made by Julien Odoul, an MP for the far-right Rassemblement National (RN) party.

These attacks show the persistent threat to press freedom in France, especially for journalists from minority communities. Renowned journalist Rokhaya Diallo has endured years of relentless harassment, both online and through legal channels. 

Women Press Freedom loudly denounces the racist attacks targeting Nassira El Moaddem and her colleagues of color in France. These vile incidents can both harm the journalists personally and threaten free expression. Racist intimidation tries to silence critical voices and discourage others from reporting on important issues like race and minority rights. French authorities must make it clear that these personal attacks against the press will not be accepted. We urge the police to open an investigation, identify those responsible, and ensure they are prosecuted.

Women Press Freedom is an initiative by The Coalition For Women In Journalism

The Coalition For Women In Journalism is a global organization of support for women journalists. The CFWIJ pioneered mentorship for mid-career women journalists across several countries around the world and is the first organization to focus on the status of free press for women journalists. We thoroughly document cases of any form of abuse against women in any part of the globe. Our system of individuals and organizations brings together the experience and mentorship necessary to help female career journalists navigate the industry. Our goal is to help develop a strong mechanism where women journalists can work safely and thrive.

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