A senior official from the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) has expressed concern over online threats and and harrassment targeting female journalists.
In a February 6 statement, OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Dunja Mijatovic said she is "alarmed" at how female journalists and bloggers are "singled out and fiercly attacked" in social media.
Mijatovic said "the female journalists targeted most report on crime, politics and sensitive -- and sometimes painful -- issues, including taboos and dogmas in our societies."
She says the online attacks tend to "degrade the journalist as a woman."
"For some female journalists, online threats of rape and sexual violence have become part of everyday life," Mijatovic said. "Others experience severe sexual harassment and intimidation. Misogynist speech is flourishing."