Political violence targeting Members of Parliament (MPs) is on the rise worldwide, posing significant threats to democracies, parliaments, and human rights, according to a recent report.
Martin Chungong, head of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), stated at a UN conference in New York that if this trend continues unchecked, it will have major repercussions globally.
Valentina Grippo, an Italian MP, highlighted the challenges MPs face in their daily work, noting that expressing views not perfectly aligned with audience expectations can lead to multiple attacks.
The report, titled “When the public turns hostile: Political violence against parliamentarians,” surveyed parliamentarians from 85 countries, with detailed case studies from Argentina, Benin, Italy, Malaysia, and the Netherlands.
Key Findings Reveal Escalating Threats
- Online Abuse Dominates: Between 65% and 77% of MPs in the case studies reported experiencing online abuse.
- Common Intimidation Tactics: Insults, degrading language, the spread of false information, and direct threats are the most frequent forms of intimidation.
- Worsening Situation: A majority of respondents perceive the situation as deteriorating, with eight out of 10 MPs in Argentina and the Netherlands reporting an increase in violence over the past five years.
- Triggers for Online Violence: Online attacks often intensify around national or local elections, significant legislative debates, and polarizing political or cultural issues.
- Gender Disparity: 76% of women MPs reported exposure to violence, compared to 68% of men MPs.
- Gender-Based Violence: Women MPs are disproportionately targeted with gendered and sexualized abuse, particularly online.
- Emerging Technologies Amplify Abuse: AI-generated content and deepfakes are increasingly used to amplify abuse.
- Vulnerable Groups Targeted: MPs from minority or disadvantaged groups, including racial minorities, people with disabilities, and LGBTQIA+ communities, face higher levels of online violence.
Factors Driving Increased Hostility
The IPU report identifies several key factors contributing to the rise in public hostility. These include escalating political polarization, economic and social pressures leading to public frustration, the amplification of anger through social media, and a declining trust in public institutions.
Ms. Grippo observed a shift from the normal confrontation of ideas to a conflict between identities, stating, “you really have a fight between identities.”
Perpetrators of Violence
The violence against MPs is most frequently carried out by individuals rather than organized groups. Online, anonymous users are identified as the primary perpetrators by nearly nine in 10 MPs in Argentina, Italy, Malaysia, and the Netherlands.
“Those we surveyed consistently told us that sustained online abuse affected their offline behaviour including their willingness to engage publicly and their sense of personal safety,” said Mr. Chungong.
Impact on Democratic Processes
The IPU warns that widespread intimidation of MPs can have severe consequences for democracy. Faced with increasing hostility, many MPs report self-censorship, avoidance of public appearances, and negative impacts on their families. Some MPs have opted to resign or not seek re-election.
These trends, over time, risk eroding democratic representation, discouraging diversity, and weakening parliamentary institutions. Ms. Grippo added a stark reminder: “we always have to remember that there are big parts of the world where you cannot say what you think without fearing for your safety.”
The report urges political and parliamentary leaders to establish clear boundaries for public discourse and to ensure that intimidation does not silence dissenting and minority voices.
The Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), founded in 1889, is the global organization of national parliaments. It comprises 183 national parliaments and 15 regional parliamentary bodies, working to promote peace, democracy, and sustainable development, while defending the human rights of parliamentarians.
