On September 10, brutal rape of a young woman sparked protests and discussions about women’s safety in Pakistan. Meanwhile, trolls and online criminals took to their keyboards to spew hatred, sexist slurs and rape “jokes” against journalist Marvi Sirmed for the umpteenth time.

Women journalists in Pakistan are campaigning against the online harassment they receive on a daily basis. However, the hate, abuse, trolling and threats have intensified in the aftermath of a joint statement and petition they shared over a week ago. Some of the journalists, including CFWIJ members Gharidah Farooqui and Marvi Sirmed, have been subjected to death threats and incessant abuse.

CFWIJ member, senior journalist Marvi Sirmed was verbally attacked during a live talk show for her feminist views. A local playwright Khalil-ur-Rehman Qamar used abusive language against her. Trolls siding with Khalil later targeted Marvi online, resulting in a barrage of online abuse.

The Coalition For Women In Journalism condemns the campaign against its member, and prominent Pakistani journalist Marvi Sirmed.