Intimidation does not stop at national borders, but unfortunately our protection mechanisms do. With these words, I began my speech at an event that I organised together with the Citizen Lab at the University of Toronto. The focus was on a topic that has received far too little political attention to date: digital transnational repression and how it is used specifically against women.
An underestimated risk, right in the centre of Europe
A new study was presented that impressively demonstrates this: Authoritarian regimes persecute women even in exile. With surveillance, online hate, doxxing, spyware and intimidation campaigns that even include threats against their children. Click here for the study. It is based on over 85 interviews with women in exile and diaspora communities worldwide. It documents gender-based digital repression in all its brutality: social isolation, psychological stress, withdrawal from the public sphere. Many of those affected do not feel safe even in Europe and are often not taken seriously.
Repression hits the private sphere and remains political
This form of repression not only attacks women’s political work. It targets the private sphere, their homes, their psyche, their physical integrity. It is about targeted intimidation with the aim of silencing women. As the EU, we have a responsibility to better protect women activists in exile. After all, exile does not automatically mean safety, and our laws often do not offer sufficient protection against digital repression. That is why I am in favour of a coherent European approach: more protection mechanisms for those affected in Europe, a clear legal framework against digital repression by third countries, and gender-sensitive education and training for police and authorities. Because those who fight for freedom in exile deserve more than our admiration. They deserve our protection.
Re-watch the Event here:
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