My name is Geena Azami. I am a woman born in Afghanistan and raised in the United States. Today, I am asking my community and people around the world to stand with me against cyberbullying, harassment, and the non-consensual sharing of private images.

For the past several years, I have been subjected to ongoing harassment and online targeting, primarily by Haroon Malik. Following my divorce, my ex-husband, Tooran M. Popal, acted out of revenge by unlawfully sharing my private and intimate photographs without my consent. He distributed these images to Haroon Malik and offered them to Haroon Malik and other TikTok “mini-influencers” with the intent to have them posted publicly.

These deliberate actions were meant to disgrace me, violate my dignity, and cause severe social embarrassment. The non-consensual taking and distribution of my private images constitutes a serious violation of my privacy, dignity, and fundamental human rights.

As a Muslim Afghan woman, this abuse has caused deep personal, emotional, and cultural harm not only to me, but also to my family. I was married for over 20 years and am the mother of his four children. After our separation, instead of safety and respect, my children and I were left in an extremely difficult situation while facing ongoing harassment and public humiliation.

No one regardless of gender, culture, or background should be subjected to cyberbullying, online exploitation, or the misuse of private images. These actions are forms of abuse and must be taken seriously.

I am seeking justice through legal action, but I am also raising my voice for all women who have been silenced, shamed, or threatened online. By signing this petition, you are calling for:

Accountability for those who engage in online harassment and image based abuse
Stronger enforcement of laws against cyberbullying and non-consensual image sharing
Greater protection for women and survivors of digital abuse
Social media platforms to respond swiftly and responsibly to reported violations
Your support matters. Together, we can say that cyberbullying and digital exploitation are not acceptable and that survivors deserve protection, respect, and justice.

Cyber bullying and exploitation are critical issues plaguing internet users worldwide, creating a hostile and unsafe environment, particularly for younger generations. With the rapid evolution of technology and increasing dependency on digital platforms for communication, education, and social interaction, the dangers of cyber bullying and exploitation have magnified. These harmful activities not only affect the mental and emotional well-being of individuals but also lead to severe psychological trauma, contributing to issues such as depression, anxiety, and in extreme cases, suicide.

According to a study by the Pew Research Center, 59% of teenagers in the United States have experienced some form of cyberbullying, while the World Health Organization highlights that these incidents have long-lasting effects on victims. Moreover, a report by the National Crime Prevention Council indicates that about 43% of teens in the U.S. were victims of cyberbullying in the past year alone. In addition to cyberbullying, online exploitation remains rampant through forms like revenge porn, grooming, and exploitation of minor vulnerabilities, often going unnoticed and unaddressed.

These alarming statistics highlight an urgent need for stricter regulation and oversight of online platforms to protect users from these threats. Firstly, it's crucial for governments and tech companies to collaborate on establishing clearer policies and harsher penalties for perpetrators. Secondly, online platforms should invest in advanced AI systems and human moderators to detect and eliminate cyber threats in real-time. Finally, comprehensive educational programs targeted at parents, educators, and students should be implemented to raise awareness about the risks and create a culture of empathy and support.

Cyber bullying and exploitation are problems that require immediate action. By signing this petition, you can urge lawmakers and tech companies to prioritize safety and human dignity on the internet, and protect future generations from the torment of online aggression and exploitation. Your signature can drive the change necessary to make the digital world a safer place for everyone. Please sign the petition and join us in this crucial fight against cyber bullying and exploitation.

Thank you for standing with me,

Geena Azami