Fatima Roshanian, an editor for the feminist magazine Nimorkh Weekly, is working from home after being identified by extremists. In a list issued by a terrorist organization, Fatima is the eleventh person named. After the list was shared, Fatima confined herself in her home and limited her movement. Fatima has angered the conservative society of Afghanistan with her coverage of bold topics like women and sex. She believes that such lists are purposely shared by sympathizers of extremist organizations to have people killed. The journalist takes the threats very seriously after the recent wave of killings against activists and journalists in Afghanistan. CFWIJ is alarmed by the grave threats targeting Fatima. We urge the Afghan government to take immediate action to ensure journalists’ safety and freedom of the press.

Founder of the Anecdotia Media filmmaker and journalist Eileen Park was subjected to hateful, racist comments after her private wedding pictures were published in a magazine last week. Eileen had an interracial marriage with the former mayor of Vancouver last year in December 2020. She shared that amidst all the messages of love and support, there was also an avalanche of anti-Asian hate. Eileen shared that several comments were dismissing her as a young Asian girl. The recent Atlanta shooting that killed eight women of Asian descent pushed Eileen to share her own experience. CFWIJ extends its support to Eileen Park and condemns the xenophobic attacks against the journalist.

Gazetecilikte Kadın Koalisyonu (CFWIJ) ekip arkadaşımız Ceren İskit, İstanbul Sözleşmesi'nin fesh edilmesine karşı düzenlenen kadın eyleminde, kadın gazetecilerin güvenliğine yönelik haber takibi yaparken polis tarafından saldırıya uğradı. CFWIJ olarak arkadaşımıza yapılan bu korkunç saldırıyı kınıyoruz. Devletin kadınlara yönelik uyguladığı şiddeti kınıyor, Türk yetkililerden hak ve özgürlüklerimize saygı göstermelerini talep ediyoruz.

The Coalition For Women In Journalism (CFWIJ) team member Ceren İskit was deliberately attacked by police while monitoring women journalists’ safety on the Women’s March against the withdrawal of the Istanbul Convention. CFWIJ is devastated by this brutal attack against our team member. We strongly condemn the state action towards women and demand the Turkish state to respect our rights and freedoms.

Gazeteci Canan Kaya, İstanbul Sözleşmesi’nin, Resmi Gazete'de yayımlanan Cumhurbaşkanı kararı ile fesh edilmesine yönelik yaptığı sosyal medya paylaşımının ardından tehdit edildi. Gazetecilikte Kadın Koalisyonu olarak Kaya’ya karşı gerçekleşen bu çirkin saldırıyı kınıyor, tüm kadın meslektaşlarımızın yanında olduğumuzu tekrar söylüyoruz. İstanbul Sözleşmesi yaşatır!

Karla Maria Perez, an independent journalist, and collaborator for the “DNA Cuba'' portal was left displaced at Tocumen airport, Panama. Karla was forced to request asylum in Costa Rica after being denied entry into her country Cuba. At 18 years of age, Maria was expelled from her university for writing a blog for an opposition party in 2017. Soon after she was granted a scholarship to continue studying journalism in San Jose, Costa Rica. Maria was returning to her homeland after four years when she was barred from entering despite having all legal documentation. CFWIJ condemns the Cuban authorities' decision not to let Maria enter the country. We believe that the state persecution against the young journalist is harsh and unjustified.

Activist, writer, and film editor Sanaa Seif was sentenced for 18 months in jail on March 17. Sana was convicted on bogus charges of spreading false news, misusing social media, and insulting a police officer. Seif was in police custody since June 23, 2020, and is not convicted under bogus charges. She was not brought into court at the time of his conviction. Sanaa was critical of the unhygienic conditions of Egypt’s overcrowded prisons during the onset of coronavirus. She was campaigning for the release of detainees arbitrarily held in prisons including her brother.

Journalist Jelena Jovanović was injured while covering a political gathering. She was attacked by a man at the location. The incident was broadcasted live on national television. The injury was minor and Jelena is recovering well.

Journalist Canan Kaya was threatened after her social media post on the withdrawal of the Istanbul Convention. The Coalition For Women In Journalism condemns the vicious attack against Canan. We stand by all our female colleagues and reiterate once again; The Istanbul Convention saves lives!

Şalom Gazetesi köşe yazarı Karel Valansi, 18 Mart Çanakkale Zaferi'nin yıldönümünde hükümet yanlısı gazeteler tarafından Yahudi karşıtı nefret söylemiyle hedef alındı. Gazetecilikte Kadın Koalisyonu (CFWIJ), Valansi’ye yönelik gazetelerin söz konusu ırkçı eylemlerini kınıyor, Valansi ve tüm kadın gazetecilerin yanında olduğumuzu bir kez daha söylüyoruz.

Global Statement - CSW65

Protect Women’s Civic Freedoms to Enhance their Role in Public Life

Senior journalist at NCTA News, Laura Bill shared the harrowing sexual assaults she went through over the period. In a recent article, Laura revealed at the workplace and outside. Laura was thrown out of a bar at 5 in the morning by her then boss after he sexually assaulted her. She worked in that pub as a waitress for some time. The journalist also recalled how one night she had to stay for a night when a male friend had a penknife by the bed. Laura felt terrified for her life and did not leave. She faced another indecent incident along with her friends and reported it to the police. CFWIJ condemns the sexual assaults and harassment Laura had to face over time. We extend the journalist our full support and hope for a safer environment for every woman in general.

The Salom Newspaper columnist Karel Valansi was deliberately targeted with anti-Semitic hate speech by pro-gov newspapers on the anniversary of Gallipoli Victory. The Coalition For Women In Journalism (CFWIJ) is dismayed by the racist hate speech against Karel. We stand with the journalist and demand an apology from the news outlets.

Following the acquittal of their journalist, Andrea Sahouri, the Des Moines Register has requested that the officers who arrested Andrea be investigated. Reportedly, Andrea was pepper-sprayed and apprehended despite clarifying that she was a journalist several times. Andrea was arrested at a demonstration for the Black Lives Matter movement.