GUWAHATI: The Assam Women Journalists Forum (AWJF) has strongly condemned the online targeting of journalists and other women by Facebook groups allegedly uploading their photographs as sleaze content.
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In a statement issued on December 8, the AWJF said, "We strongly condemn the targeting of journalists and media personnel by some Facebook groups that have uploaded their pictures as sleaze content in a case of online abuse and crime against women. It is disturbing that some of our own members have been targeted in this smear campaign by unknown users running Facebook pages like ‘Assamese Girls Online’ and ‘Assamese Beautiful Girls.’”
The forum revealed that the targeted journalists, representing various media platforms across the state, have already filed complaints with the cyber cell of Guwahati Police.
The forum also added that the administrators of the Facebook groups resort to blackmail when confronted.
On December 9, the AWJF filed a formal FIR at the Cyber Crime Police Station in Panbazar.
Talking to GPlus, a member of the forum said, "AWJF stands firmly with those targeted and demands a thorough investigation into the matter. The authorities must ensure that the perpetrators are booked under relevant laws at the earliest".
However, talking to GPlus, a source in Cyber Police Station in Pan Bazaar said, "We are thoroughly investigating this case and have started gathering digital evidence to identify the culprits."
Further investigation is under way.