Summary: The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has called on Indian authorities to provide immediate safety measures for investigative journalist and Washington Post columnist Rana Ayyub, after she and her father received violent threats from an unidentified caller. The case has reignited concerns over the safety of journalists in India, where press freedom has come under increasing strain.
The Threats
According to a police complaint filed on November 3, 2025, Ayyub reported receiving multiple WhatsApp calls and messages from an international number the previous day. The caller allegedly demanded that she publish a column on the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, threatening violence if she refused. The caller also appeared to know her home address, intensifying fears for her personal safety and that of her family.
CPJ’s Response
In a statement, CPJ’s India representative Kunal Majumder described the threats as “deeply concerning” and urged authorities to swiftly identify and hold accountable those responsible. CPJ emphasized that journalists must be able to work without fear of intimidation or violence, warning that unchecked threats risk silencing critical voices.
Broader Context
Rana Ayyub, a prominent investigative journalist, has long faced harassment campaigns, online abuse, and legal challenges linked to her reporting on sensitive political and human rights issues. International watchdogs, including Amnesty International and Reporters Without Borders, have previously highlighted her case as emblematic of the deteriorating press freedom climate in India.
India has consistently ranked low on the World Press Freedom Index, with journalists—particularly women and those reporting on communal violence or corruption—often subjected to threats, trolling, and physical attacks. Recent reports by DW and Feminism in India note that local reporters in conflict zones face especially high risks, with several killed in recent years for their work.
Next Steps
Authorities in New Delhi have yet to confirm whether additional security measures will be provided to Ayyub and her family. Press groups insist that a credible investigation and protective action will be a crucial test of India’s commitment to safeguarding journalists and upholding democratic values.
In short: The threats against Rana Ayyub highlight the persistent dangers faced by journalists in India. Rights groups are pressing the government to act decisively, warning that failure to ensure her safety would send a chilling message to the wider press community.
Sources: JURIST (Siddhi Joshi); Committee to Protect Journalists; The Hindu; DW; Feminism in India.
