For Immediate Release: August 23rd, 2026 by Julie Kent, FL NOW President
Orlando, FL — The Florida National Organization for Women (FL NOW) today condemned the escalating pattern of targeted harassment, surveillance, and political attacks directed at progressive peace organizations, humanitarian‑aid groups, and independent journalists — including CodePink, Hasan Piker, BT News, CAIR, and other outlets and advocates who report on war, human rights, and global justice.
FL NOW asserts that these coordinated attacks represent an intimidation tactic designed to silence dissent, undermine civil society, and chill the work of journalists and activists who challenge powerful institutions.
“This is not just about individual organizations — it’s about free speech and freedom of the press,” FL NOW President Julie Kent stated. “When peace groups, humanitarian‑aid networks, and independent journalists are strategically targeted, smeared, or threatened for their work, it is not accidental — it is a deliberate attempt to suppress dissent. Silencing critical voices is profoundly dangerous to democracy, to women’s rights, and to the public’s ability to access truthful reporting.”
A Pattern of Targeting Progressive Voices
Across the country, progressive organizations and journalists have reported:
- Coordinated disinformation campaigns
- Harassment and doxxing
- Retaliatory investigations or political labeling
- Attempts to delegitimize peace activism and humanitarian aid
- Pressure campaigns aimed at advertisers, donors, or platforms
Groups like CodePink, which has long advocated for diplomacy and de‑escalation, and journalists such as Hasan Piker and BT News, who report on global conflict and human rights, have been singled out in ways that raise serious concerns about press freedom, civil liberties, and the right to organize.
Women Are Disproportionately Harmed When Dissent Is Silenced
FL NOW emphasizes that women — especially women of color, immigrant women, and women in conflict zones — rely on peace advocacy, humanitarian aid, and independent journalism to expose abuses, document gender‑based violence, and push for accountability.
“Suppressing peace activism and independent reporting directly harms women worldwide,” Deland said. “When journalists and aid groups are intimidated, the truth about war, displacement, and gender‑based violence becomes harder to uncover.”
A Warning for Florida and the Nation
FL NOW warns that these intimidation tactics mirror broader national trends:
- Shrinking space for civil society,
- Rising hostility toward journalists,
- Punitive measures against protest, and increasing political pressure on nonprofits.
These trends threaten free expression, public oversight, and the democratic right to question government actions.
FL NOW Calls for Protection of Civil Liberties and Press Freedom
FL NOW urges elected officials, media platforms, and civic institutions to:
- Defend the rights of peace organizations and humanitarian groups
- Protect independent journalists from harassment and retaliation
- Reject political efforts to criminalize dissent
- Reject laws and policies that restrict peaceful protest and freedom of speech
- Ensure transparency and accountability in government actions
- Affirm that democracy requires robust, protected public debate
“Democracy cannot survive if dissent is punished.”
“FL NOW reaffirms its commitment to defending civil liberties, human rights, and the essential role of journalism in exposing injustice,” said VP FL NOW, Debbie Deland. “Attempts to silence progressive voices are attempts to silence democracy itself. FL NOW stands with peace advocates, humanitarian workers, and independent journalists — and we will not be intimidated.”