January 25, 2025 - India, Delhi

Women Press Freedom denounces the Delhi court’s order for police to officially investigate Washington Post journalist Rana Ayyub, potentially leading to further legal action against her.

The court has directed the police to probe Ayyub over social media posts from 2016-17, alleging she insulted Hindu deities and incited religious disharmony—vague accusations that weaponize the law to silence a critical voice.

Notably, this complaint was filed just days after Ayyub herself lodged a police complaint against prominent right-wing social media handles for doxxing and threatening her. Soon after, right-wing networks began calling for her arrest. Now, a Delhi court has ordered the filing of a First Information Report (FIR) against her.

Ayyub has faced relentless online abuse, financial probes, and legal intimidation for her investigative reporting on those in power in India. This FIR order is part of a broader pattern of judicial harassment aimed at silencing her for exposing corruption and wrongdoing.

We stand in solidarity with Rana and demand that Indian authorities halt this politically motivated investigation. The government must stop weaponizing the law against the press.