The upcoming News and Documentary Emmy Awards have sparked controversy as a Palestinian journalist nominated for her Gaza war coverage faces allegations of links to a designated terror group.
Bisan Owda, an Al-Jazeera contributor with 4.7 million Instagram followers, is up for "Outstanding Short News Report" for her documentary "It's Bisan from Gaza and I'm Still Alive." The film chronicles her experiences in Gaza since October 7, 2023.
However, recent investigations have raised questions about Owda's potential connections to the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP), an organization listed as a terrorist group by the U.S. and EU.
Pro-Israel activist Eitan Fischberger first highlighted these alleged ties, presenting evidence of Owda's involvement with the PFLP. A 2018 post on the PFLP's website identified her as a member, while earlier footage shows her wearing PFLP insignia at an event featuring armed individuals.
Owda has used her platform to criticize Israel, accusing it of "committing genocide" in Gaza. She's also disputed claims of UNRWA workers' involvement in the October 7 attack, despite contrary evidence.
The Television Academy states that Emmy awards are distributed by independent judges voting anonymously after peer review of the projects.