Women Journalists Without Chains (WJWC) expresses its profound concern and unequivocal condemnation of the systematic smear and incitement campaign launched by Sheikh Abdullah Al-Udaini against journalist Ahd Yassin, a presenter at Republic Channel.

The organization’s position follows a post published by Sheikh Al-Udaini on his official Facebook account, employing language of an explicitly inflammatory and degrading nature. The remarks directed at Ms. Yassin amount to hate speech and deliberate incitement, posing a credible threat to her safety and potentially placing her life at risk. This campaign contributes to a climate of hostility and discrimination that aims to mute critical, independent voices within the media.

WJWC firmly rejects all forms of targeted intimidation and incitement against journalists, particularly women working in the media sector. Such conduct constitutes a gross violation of fundamental freedoms, including the right to free expression and the right of journalists to perform their duties without fear of reprisal.

We call upon the competent authorities to act swiftly and decisively to halt this incitement and to ensure legal accountability for those responsible. Urgent action is required to safeguard journalists from such attacks and to uphold the principles of press freedom. 

WJWC reaffirms its full solidarity with Ahd Yassin and with all independent journalists who continue to work with professionalism and courage in the face of intimidation. We stand by media professionals—especially women—who are subjected to campaigns of harassment and pressure, and we remain steadfast in our commitment to defending media freedoms and protecting journalists at all times.

In this context, we urge all international and local human rights and press freedom organizations to express their support for Ahd Yassin and to collectively condemn this campaign of incitement.

Issued by:

Women Journalists Without Chains (WJWC)

22 November 2025