United States-Iran: CFWIJ Stands In Solidarity With Farnaz Fasihi Who Was Targeted Through Vicious Online Trolling

Location: United States-Iran
Date: August 9, 2021

Journalist Farnaz Fasihi has been on the receiving end of deeply gendered and misogynistic online attacks by Iranian trolls for over several months. Fasihi covers Iran for The New York Times and the nature of her work has made her extremely vulnerable to digital harassment. In response, The New York Times published a statement reasserting their support for their journalist, while Fasihi’s colleagues also came out in solidarity with her.

Earlier today, journalist Farnaz Fasihi took to Twitter to thank her employer company, The New York Times, for issuing a statement in her support in response to the vicious online trolling she has been subject to for several months. The trolls not only targeted Fasihi with vile personal attacks but also went as far as to threaten rape.

I am grateful for the stellar support of @nytimes leadership voiced in this statement as I've faced months of harassment, slander, death & rape threat from some Iran opposition groups & trolls.

Thank you @deanbaquet @cliffordlevy @meslackman et al https://t.co/fgeBLRh6O4

— Farnaz Fassihi (@farnazfassihi) August 6, 2021

In their statement of support, The New York Times leadership condemned the attacks the Fasihi was forced to confront, rightly claiming that women journalists, specially women journalists of colour, navigate a dangerous digital terrain and they should be able to fulfil professional duties without having to contend with vicious harassment.

Journalists around the globe, particularly women and journalists of color, are being targeted for the role they play in ensuring a free and informed society. They should be free to work without harassment. pic.twitter.com/Xteomnbvtm

— NYTimes Communications (@NYTimesPR) August 6, 2021

Fasihi’s colleagues also came out in support. Rukmini Callimachi took to her own twitter account to share her experience working with Fasihi, commending not just her journalistic vigour but also her work ethic towards her co-workers. She called the attacks on her “unacceptable”.

Besides being a great journalist, @farnazfassihi is also a kind and open-hearted colleague. These attacks are unacceptable. https://t.co/mJZArmElYb

— Rukmini Callimachi (@rcallimachi) August 7, 2021

Women journalists from and in Iran have faced sustained threats to their well being in the digital as well as physical world. Not only does the state actively target women journalists, it also encourages vitriol against those among its supporters. Iranian women journalists find themselves increasingly vulnerable to racism, international Islamophobia, patriarchy and the theocratic elements within Iran’s governance systems. CFWIJ recently published a report exploring the threats faced by women journalists who belong to the country or work in it.

The Coalition For Women In Journalism condemns the attacks Fasihi faced and extends her solidarity and support. Voices like Fasihi are integral to build a more just and freer world, where power could be held accountable and the press is diverse and inclusive. We appreciate the support that The New York Times has offered their journalist and hope that women journalists continue to find and build support networks.

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.