Femena condemns the online incitement to kill Sudanese journalist and editor-in-chief of Al-Taghyeer, Rasha Awad. Calls for violence against a journalist over her reporting and public positions pose a serious threat to her safety and are intended to silence independent voices at a time when access to information and public debate are essential.
On 6 October, the Sudanese Journalists Syndicate condemned a social media post explicitly calling for Awad’s killing and containing threats and abusive language directed at her for expressing her views. On 11 October, the Sudan Media Forum also expressed solidarity with Awad, highlighting her outspoken opposition to the war, racism, and hate speech.
Femena stresses that such incitement must be treated as a serious protection concern. Threatening a woman journalist’s life can restrict her ability to report, express her views, and participate in public debate. Its impact extends beyond the individual targeted, sending a message of intimidation to other women journalists and human rights defenders who speak out against violence and demand accountability.
Women journalists must be able to document the war, hold those in power accountable, and amplify the experiences of affected communities without fear of retaliation. Political disagreement can never justify threats, dehumanization, or calls for violence. Protecting their voices is essential to preserving civic space and ensuring that Sudan’s future can be debated freely.
Femena calls for a prompt, independent investigation into the threats against Rasha Awad and accountability for those responsible. Any protection measures must be developed in consultation with her, respect her privacy and autonomy, and enable her to continue her work safely. We urge social media platforms to preserve evidence and act swiftly against content that threatens or incites violence, while providing accessible reporting mechanisms and effective Arabic-language support.
We stand in solidarity with Rasha Awad and all Sudanese women journalists and human rights defenders facing intimidation. We call on media institutions, civil society organizations, and international partners to support their safety and their freedom to carry out their work. No woman should have to choose between her safety and her right to speak.