Brussels lawmaker calls out online harassers and files complaint

After the recent local elections, PS lawmaker Leila Agic became one of the youngest members of the Brussels parliament ever after obtaining close to 3,000 votes. Since then, she’s been harassed and threatened by countless men online.

Agic, 24, also an alderwoman in the municipality of Molenbeek, today went public with her experiences of harassment on Twitter, and posted two screenshots of messages she’d received in the last few days. One of them contained a kidnapping threat, the other personal attacks and crude insults.

“Here are the messages that a woman in politics may receive in 2019,” the incoming Brussels MP said. “I’ve had it with all these men who can’t stomach that a woman is able to rise up to a certain position.”

Agic said many of the people who messaged her also continually asked about her private life and marital status.

Agic said all the intimidation and harassment had made her more combative as she prepares to take office when the Brussels parliament resumes its legislative activities in September.

“This is only strengthening my desire to incessantly fight for women and their rights while I am in office,” she said.

Agic has also filed a complaint against her online harassers with the police.

Photo: Belga / Thierry Roge

Written by Linda A. Thompson