UN experts call to protect Journalist Rana Ayyub after 'online hate campaign'

Expressing their concern for her security, the UN experts also recalled the killing of journalist Gauri Lankesh.

Image: Facebook/ ranaayyubjournalist

NEW DELHI: The United Nation human rights organisation has urged Indian authorities to protect journalist Rana Ayyub, who has received death after an online hate campaign.

UN experts call on the authorities in #India to act urgently to protect journalist @RanaAyyub who has received death threats following an online hate campaign: https://t.co/DlPSLoTF6N pic.twitter.com/dfuqx4uTYG

— UN Human Rights (@UNHumanRights) May 24, 2018

The campaign started online after a Tweet on 20 April falsely quoted Ayyub of supporting child rapists and saying that Muslims were no longer safe in India. Image: Facebook/ ranaayyubjournalist After this, her phone number and home address were posted on a social network. and she received several hate messages and calls threatening gangrape and murder.

The last three days there has been a concerted effort in the form of multiple fake tweets, photoshopped tweets, morphed videos on twitter / fb that even the most sensible have fallen for and have gone viral. Those asking me to clarify, please use your own discretion. pic.twitter.com/alf3qkiQSq

— Rana Ayyub (@RanaAyyub) April 23, 2018

In a release by the Geneva-based UNHRC says “We are highly concerned that the life of Rana Ayyub is at serious risk following these graphic and disturbing threats,” Expressing their concern for her security, the UN experts also recalled the killing of journalist Gauri Lankesh. The experts say, “Governments also have a responsibility to build a safe environment for independent voices, including those of journalists critical of the authorities. We have previously urged the authorities in India to take active steps to reverse a political climate that, in recent years, has become increasingly polarised and hostile, especially to the media and those exercising the freedom of expression,” The experts also said that they have been in contact with the Government of India regarding the situation.