Slovakia: Journalist Monika Tódová Stalked and Targeted with Offensive Videos

The Coalition For Women In Journalism condemns this doxxing attack and urges authorities to investigate and hold the perpetrator accountable

Location: Slovakia, Bratislava
Date: August 6, 2023

Prominent journalist Monika Tódová was stalked, filmed, and harassed by controversial blogger Martin Daňo, whose aggressive and confrontational behavior has been a source of concern for Slovak journalists for years. The Coalition For Women In Journalism strongly condemns the attacks against Monika Tódová. We urge the Slovak authorities to take immediate action, conduct a thorough investigation into the case, and implement appropriate measures to ensure Daňo is held accountable for his actions. 

Blogger and provocateur Martin Daňo, notorious for spreading disinformation, took to YouTube and Facebook to publish a series of offensive videos targeting renowned Slovak journalist Monika Tódová from daily newspaper Denník N. 

Daňo stalked, filmed, and harassed Tódová, who was visiting the Slovak mountains with her friend, Judge Pamela Záleska. These doxxing videos contained sensitive personal information, including Tódová's license plate number and home address.

Daňo, who boasts a substantial following on his social media channels, proceeded to share clickbait posts about an alleged 'mega-scandal', insinuating an illicit private relationship between Tódová and the judge. Local sources have raised suspicions of possible orders behind Daňo's actions. 

The release of the videos triggered a barrage of hateful, homophobic, and threatening responses from online provocateurs, disinformation websites, as well as politicians like former prime minister Robert Fico and Ľuboš Blaha of the national-populist party Direction – Slovak Social Democracy (SMER). Fico has emerged as one of the key figures involved in political attacks against the media. These attacks have escalated to the extent that baseless accusations of criminal activity have been levied against investigative journalists.

In response, Tódová penned an explanatory piece, published in Denník N on August 8th, addressing readers' inquiries regarding potential conflicts of interest while emphasizing her right to privacy. 

The following day, Denník N's editor-in-chief, Matúš Kostolný, also detailed how the newsroom diligently handled the situation to prevent any conflicts of interest.

Upon Tódová's friendship with the judge, she promptly notified the editor-in-chief, leading the editorial office to take appropriate measures. Consequently, Tódová no longer covers courtroom assignments or topics related to Judge Záleská. 

Despite the Slovak government's initial ambitions to enhance press freedom and strengthen media independence in response to the tragic murder of investigative journalist Jan Kuciak in 2018, progress has been hindered by internal conflicts within the ruling coalition. As a result, only partial and specific measures have materialized from these efforts.

Doxing, also known as doxxing, refers to the unauthorized disclosure of personal information about a person on the internet, including their real name, residential address, place of employment, contact number, financial details, and other private data. This information is subsequently shared with the public without the consent of the targeted person. Journalists who become victims of doxxing attacks, often triggered by their published work, experience significant disruptions in both their personal and professional lives, sometimes resulting in a complete upheaval. 

The Coalition For Women In Journalism stands firmly in support of Monika Tódová. We strongly condemn the relentless and vicious attacks that she has faced. A prompt and extensive investigation into this matter must take place. We call upon the authorities to take decisive action and ensure that the responsible individual is held fully accountable for their actions. Our solidarity is with Monika Tódová, and we strongly advocate for justice to be served.

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.

If you have been harassed or abused in any way, and please report the incident by using the following form.