IPI denounces online attack, defamation on Al Jazeera journalist

The International Press Institute has denounced the several online attacks, hacking of the phone and defamation campaign Ghada Oueiss, Al-Jazeera television host.

The body released a statement on Wednesday where it stated that the acts targeted at Oueiss and her Jordanian colleague at Al Jazeera, Ola Al-Fares were frowned at.

The statement was released after it was confirmed that Oueiss was being subjected to a systematic online harassment campaign launched by Saudi social media accounts and the several attempts to hack her mobile phone.

Barbara Trionfi, IPI’s Executive Director said, “We are appalled at the vicious online attacks on Ghaida Oueiss and Ola Fares, which not only aim to discredit their work and reputation but also silence them through a campaign of intimidation.”

He noted that “These types of attacks threaten press freedom through the toll they can take on victims, leaving them wondering whether it is worth covering the news and presenting the facts.”

“Unfortunately, this is very likely what the organizers of coordinated campaigns aim at, which is why it is important to stand in solidarity with journalists subject to such abuse,” he added.

An analysis conducted by Marc Owen Jones, researcher and professor at Hamad Bin Khalifa University in Qatar, found that the campaign, which resulted in more than 25,000 tweets and retweets within just 24 hours, was driven by several prominent Saudi Twitter accounts.

Oueiss however said that, “I am still exposed to all kinds of intimidation, obscenity, fabrications, threats and rumours on social media as well as various attempts to penetrate my phone, my computer and my email although they do not carry any secrets.”

The campaign was launched after Oueiss reported Saudi Arabia authorities were responsible for the missing passport of Jamal Khashoggi prior to his assassination in his home.

This she said was to force Khashoggi’s return to the kingdom.