Charged with terrorism offences and conspiracy to commit murder, the women made their first court appearance on 12 May 2017. Such media reporting shifts readers’ attention to irrelevant aspects and distracts them from the agency and culpability of these women. Media distortionThe media follows suit with this general rhetoric when covering the West Asia-North Africa region. This irresponsible reporting, as well as her false statement, gives the impression that she was manipulated into the plot by her spouse. The media focus on physical appearance and personal relationships somewhat relieves the women of their agency in conducting acts of terror.

Source: The North Africa Journal June 23, 2017 13:18 UTC