Addressing Online Harassment: The Struggles of Journalists in Libya

The Context of Online Harassment

Journalists in Libya are increasingly facing a troubling environment characterized by online harassment, which significantly hampers their ability to investigate issues like corruption and human rights violations. This urgent topic was highlighted during a recent round table discussion hosted by the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL), where the challenges these journalists face were openly addressed.

A Bridging Initiative

Last week, thirty-one journalists from various regions in Libya—east, west, and south—participated in an online discussion as part of the Basirah professional development program. This initiative is organized in partnership with the Human Rights Section of UNSMIL. The conversation aimed to set the stage for a workshop scheduled for June 19, which will focus on equipping journalists with strategies to protect themselves from online harassment. Led by a digital safety expert from the Committee to Protect Journalists, the workshop aims to foster resilience among the media fraternity.

The Weight of Online Harassment

Eman Ben Amer, one of the participating journalists, emphasized the grave impact of online harassment on freedom of expression. “It threatens the right to expression and can lead to self-censorship. Ignoring the issue only silences diverse voices,” she remarked, highlighting how essential it is to confront these challenges.

During the round table, many journalists bravely shared their experiences with harassment. A staggering 92% of those surveyed post-event indicated they had directly faced online hostility. The most prevalent forms of harassment included abusive comments and messages on social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp.

Escalation of Threats

The nature of harassment that journalists endure often escalates to death threats, and in some cases, leads to physical attacks. Participants noted a disturbing trend where some instances of harassment seemed coordinated, with particular journalists becoming targets trending on social media due to orchestrated attacks.

One journalist recounted a harrowing experience in which their reputation was decimated to the point where they found themselves under investigation by state intelligence. “The recording they created is still available on YouTube. Even after years, it resurfaces in comments whenever I publish anything,” the journalist shared, underscoring the long-lasting impact of such harassment.

Triggers of Abuse

Various triggers can provoke harassment, ranging from the content of articles to personal characteristics like age or gender. Some journalists reported facing hostility for political or human rights stories. For instance, one journalist described falling under attack for allegedly promoting “foreign agendas” when covering violence against women.

Even seemingly benign topics can ignite backlash; one journalist faced harassment simply for broadcasting a sports event. Another suffered scrutiny for reporting on flood victims in Derna, illustrating that no topic is immune to potential backlash.

The Unique Struggles of Female Journalists

Female journalists face an especially challenging landscape, often experiencing harassment regardless of their reporting focus. “Being a female journalist in Libyan society is perilous. They target a woman’s reputation and personal honor,” one female journalist articulated, reflecting the gendered dimensions of online harassment.

The Fallout of Harassment

The repercussions of online abuse are profound. In a post-workshop survey, 86% of journalists revealed that harassment had adversely affected their professional duties. Many felt compelled to curtail their social media activity as a protective measure, a significant limitation in an industry where online presence is vital. About 30% mentioned altering their language to avoid provoking respondents, while others refrained from covering controversial topics altogether.

“Journalists require a safe environment to operate freely and authentically,” asserted Mohammed Fozy, another journalist in attendance. “Without this, the foundation of free media crumbles.”

Continued Support and Advocacy

The Basirah program, along with the upcoming workshop on digital safety, continues to extend an open invitation for journalists and media personnel to enhance their resilience against online harassment. This proactive approach aims to cultivate a healthier culture for journalism in Libya, where voices can be heard without fear of retaliation.

For more information on registration and upcoming initiatives within the Basirah program, interested individuals can visit the provided link.