Fact check: Was DW anchor issued death, rape threats after Imran interview?

The Express Tribune finds reports to be incorrect as Melissa Chan never said she received threats after interview

A video clip of former prime minister Imran Khan has been making rounds on social media in which a DW anchor can be seen asking "tough" questions from the PTI chairman.

Journalist Melissa Chan compared the former premier to populist strongman Jair Bolsonaro, the president of Brazil. During the interview, she also told Imran that he was acting a bit like "Sherlock Holmes".

I compared Pakistan's former prime minister, Imran Khan, to populist strongman Jair Bolsonaro. To his credit, he took it okay. In the full interview I also told him he was acting a bit like Sherlock Holmes so there was a lot going on! 📺 Watch! @dwnews: https://t.co/LhieRYeh9t pic.twitter.com/IosSqViJ6b

— Melissa Chan (@melissakchan) November 10, 2022

It is being reported that Chan was receiving "death and rape threats" following the interview, citing her tweet.

Read more: Imran says deep state in Pakistan controlled everything

However, The Express Tribune analysed the tweet in question and came to the conclusion that Chan never claimed that the rape and death threats she received had anything to do with Imran's interview.

"Pakistan Twitter! Ya’ll a lively bunch! But no, sorry — I never switch on replies for any posts because I get rape and death threats. Don’t need that in my life. There are no free speech issues! You have the freedom to tweet; I have the freedom to read or not. Tough cookies!," the Emmy-nominated journalist wrote in her tweet.

Pakistan Twitter! Ya’ll a lively bunch! But no, sorry — I never switch on replies for any posts because I get rape and death threats. Don’t need that in my life. There are no free speech issues! You have the freedom to tweet; I have the freedom to read or not. Tough cookies! 🍪😆

— Melissa Chan (@melissakchan) November 11, 2022

It is quite clear from her tweet that her replies were already switched off even before the interview.

Journalist Beenish Javed criticised a media report in this regard, calling it highly irresponsible. "In her tweet @melissakchan clearly mentions ‘I never switch on replies for any posts because I get rape threats and death threats’. Don’t misquote her and use journalism for political propaganda," she added.

.@jangnews this is highly irresponsible journalism. In her tweet @melissakchan clearly mentions “I never switch on replies for any posts because I get rape threats and death threats.” Don’t misquote her and use journalism for political propaganda. https://t.co/v9qOIyhPPl

— Beenish Javed (@beenishjaved) November 12, 2022

Melissa Chan also retweeted Beenish's tweet.