France: Death Threats Against Renowned Cartoonist Corinne Rey for Gaza Cartoon
Rey was targeted with online harassment and anti-Semitic messages after the publication of a cartoon in the French daily Libération.
Location: France, ParisDate: March 13, 2024
Women Press Freedom vehemently denounces the onslaught of death threats and harassment directed at renowned cartoonist Corinne Rey — known as Coco — for her cartoon depicting a Palestinian family navigating survival in Gaza during the holy month of Ramadan. We express our unwavering support for Rey and emphasize that acts of violence and intimidation have no role in the realm of freedom of expression. Freedom of expression and artistic freedom are cornerstones of any democratic society, enabling individuals to communicate ideas, critique, and offer satire without fear of censorship or violence. The freedom to express oneself, to critique, and to satirize without fear of retribution is essential for the advancement of society, the promotion of diversity in thought and expression, and the protection of democratic values. We demand a comprehensive inquiry into the threats directed at Rey and for those responsible to be held accountable.
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Following cartoonist Corinne Rey's depiction of a family surviving Gaza during Ramadan in the French daily Libération on March 11, 2024, the illustrator has been inundated with a deluge of death threats and anti-Semitic messages, with accusations of mocking "starving children" hurled her way. Among the chilling threats, one X user menacingly wrote, "Run, run whore... You'll soon be shot," and went on to wish harm on her entire family. Another comment chillingly referenced the tragic terrorist attack on the editorial office of Charlie Hebdo on January 7, 2015, where Coco was among the hostages, stating, "They should have liquidated you.”
Coco's intention was to shed light on "the despair of the Palestinians, the famine in Gaza, and to satirize the absurdities of religion."
The editorial leadership at Libération vehemently denounced the intimidation and threats directed at their cartoonist, emphasizing that such "attacks against our colleague must never be trivialized." Solidarity poured in from other French publications where Coco contributes, including Charlie Hebdo, Le Canard Enchaîné, and 28 Minutes, who expressed unwavering support for the embattled artist in the face of this reprehensible harassment.
The ongoing Israel/Palestine conflict has placed the fundamental tenets of press freedom in grave jeopardy. Amidst the unfolding conflict, women journalists are encountering severe risks, including physical assaults, threats, and tragically, loss of life. This perilous situation affects those directly involved and poses a significant threat to press freedom on a global scale. Women journalists reporting on the conflict across the world, predominantly Muslim and Jewish journalists, have been targeted with threats for their commentary on the conflict via social media.
Women Press Freedom stands firmly in solidarity with Corinne Rey. The recent threats against her highlight a disturbing trend of targeting individuals for simply exercising their fundamental right to freedom of expression. This incident is not only an attack on an individual but an assault on the principles of free speech, artistic freedom, and the very foundations of a democratic society. We strongly denounce the wave of verbal abuse she has endured as a clear form of censorship and intimidation. Such intimidation tactics are a direct attack on the principle of critical social commentary and undermine the safety and well-being of individuals who are merely fulfilling their professional duties and exercising their rights. We call on authorities to take immediate and decisive action to investigate these threats, hold those responsible accountable, and ensure the safety of Coco and all journalists.
Women Press Freedom is an initiative by The Coalition For Women In Journalism
The Coalition For Women In Journalism is a global organization of support for women journalists. The CFWIJ pioneered mentorship for mid-career women journalists across several countries around the world and is the first organization to focus on the status of free press for women journalists. We thoroughly document cases of any form of abuse against women in any part of the globe. Our system of individuals and organizations brings together the experience and mentorship necessary to help female career journalists navigate the industry. Our goal is to help develop a strong mechanism where women journalists can work safely and thrive.
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