Djundeva targeted by violent threats following male journalist's manipulative framing of her usage of North Macedonia in interview clip 

Location: Skopje, North Macedonia
Date: June 3, 2024

Women Press Freedom stands firmly behind TV 24 journalist Lepa Djundeva, who has become the focal point of a social media storm following journalist Bogdan Ilievski's sharing of an eight-second clip from her interview with Greek MP Angelos Sirigos. With his substantial following of over thirty thousand, Ilievski's post triggered a deluge of hate speech targeting Djundeva on social media, ranging from misogyny to explicit threats of sexual and physical violence. We strongly denounce the online backlash against Djundeva and call for the immediate removal of the video to protect Djundeva's safety and well-being. We demand a thorough investigation into the threats and accountability for those responsible.

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Bogdan Ilievski, a male journalist with a significant online following, posted an eight-second clip on Facebook from an interview with Greek MP Angelos Sirigos, where journalist Djundeva mentioned "here in Skopje, North Macedonia." 

The Facebook post sparked a wave of hostile comments directed at Djundeva, with responses ranging from misogyny to explicit threats of sexual and physical violence, including disturbinging threats such as “to f*** this goat, ‘severdzan’ (a pejorative term for people who use the name North Macedonia); for people like you, tongue cutting and everything else that follows.” 

This specific segment was later highlighted in an article on the news portal Off.net.mk, under the provocative title "Edna Severina i edna Severna" (One North and one North). This framing not only isolated her use of the constitutional name but also set the stage for the subsequent backlash and controversy.

The intense reaction to the use of 'North Macedonia' arises from historical and political tensions linked to the name dispute between Greece and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia. Resolved in 2018 by the Prespa Agreement, which renamed the country 'North Macedonia,' this issue remains sensitive among nationalists in both nations. They often see the use of this name as a concession that undermines their cultural identity. 

The journalist's use of the constitutional name 'North Macedonia,' however, is in accordance with professional standards and editorial policies, yet it was manipulated to provoke a backlash against her. The deliberate framing of Ilievski, highlighted by using a specific part of her interview with a Greek MP, was crafted to malign and expose her negatively. This tactic not only distorts the journalist's professional image but also endangers her by making her a target of public animosity and potential violence.

In response to the escalating situation, the Association of Journalists of Macedonia (ZNM) filed a criminal complaint on behalf of Djundeva. The organization expressed concern over the deliberate framing of Djundeva in a negative light. Despite calls for an apology from ZNM and the Independent Union of Journalists and Media Workers (SSNM), Ilievski has refused to retract his statements and hinted at legal action against ZNM for defamation.

Women Press Freedom unequivocally supports Lepa Djundeva and strongly condemns Bogdan Ilievski's actions in inciting hate speech and threats. We fully endorse the criminal complaint filed by ZNM and demand swift and decisive action to be taken as a result. We insist that Ilievski remove the video and be held accountable for his efforts to provoke violence against Djundeva. We call on authorities to enact essential preventive and protective measures to ensure the safety of women journalists both in the digital and physical realms. We further demand accountability for those implicated in the appalling threats made against Djundeva.

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