NÛJINHA suffers cyber attack, received threatening messages

The Women's News Agency (NÛJINHA) announced that it had suffered a cyber attack targeting its media platforms and technical infrastructure, stating that the attack resulted in the deletion of numerous publications across its Persian, Arabic, and English sections, as well as a temporary disruption to broadcasting services.

The agency stated on Sunday in a statement published on its official website that the attack occurred on Saturday evening (June 6th), noting that a cyber attack team identified as "Hindala and the Resistance Axis" or "Hendhela" adopted the operation, released statements containing threats directed at the Kurdish people, Kurdish institutions, and the agency itself, along with what it described as hate speech and direct threats targeting journalism and staff members working there.

The agency stated that the attack damaged its technical infrastructure and temporarily halted its media operations. However, after intensive efforts, its technical team was able to restore platform functionality and resume access to published content.

It added that the entity behind the attack has continued to disseminate threatening messages, claiming ongoing cyber attacks against the agency and possessing information regarding its institutional locations. These messages also contained expressions targeting the Kurdish people and their institutions, as well as threats related to political and military developments in the region.

The NÛJINHA agency mentioned that what has occurred goes beyond being a technical attack; it constitutes a political targeting of women's voices and independent journalism. It emphasized that the agency is committed to highlighting the conditions of women in the Middle East and conveying the perspectives of those affected by wars, violence, and discrimination.

The agency emphasized that its journalistic approach is grounded in independence and democracy, with a focus on highlighting women's experiences and struggles. It stressed that any violation of their rights constitutes an infringement on women's freedom of expression, their right to access information, and the values of a democratic society.

It also expressed concern regarding some media outlets publishing statements from the entity that carried out the attack without proper verification or scrutiny, noting that presenting the attack as a successful achievement or operation reinforces the attackers' narrative and exacerbates hostility towards media organizations.

The agency reiterated its commitment to continuing its journalistic work despite threats and pressure, stating that it will not abandon its responsibility to report on women's issues and highlight their realities. It emphasized that attempts at intimidation and targeting will not prevent it from fulfilling its media mission.

It concluded its statement by emphasizing that it would continue working as the "women's free voice" and would not yield to any threats aimed at silencing it or diminishing the importance of its role.