‘Blatant attack': Press bodies condemn detention of journalists at Delhi protest‘Blatant attack': Press bodies condemn detention of journalists at Delhi protest
Journalist organizations in Delhi have condemned the detention of reporters covering protests demanding the resignation of the Chief Election Commissioner. The groups argue that the police action, which included seizing equipment, constitutes a direct attack on press freedom.
Why it matters
Raises critical concerns regarding the protection of journalists and the state of press freedom during civil unrest.
NEW DELHI: Four journalists’ organisations on Saturday expressed concern over the detention of journalists covering protests in Delhi demanding chief election commissioner Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation, saying the incident raised serious questions about press freedom.The Press Club of India (PCI), Indian Women’s Press Corps (IWPC), Delhi Union of Journalists (DUJ) and Delhi unit of the Kerala Union of Working Journalists (KUWJ) said journalists were targeted while documenting the police action. In a joint statement, they alleged that reporters carrying valid press identity cards were taken away and that some had their phones and reporting equipment confiscated, news agency PTI reported.The organisations termed the action a “blatant attack on the freedom of press” and demanded the immediate release of all detained journalists.Reporters taken to detention centres, equipment seizedAccording to the statement, journalists covering Saturday’s protests were put on buses and taken to locations including Chhatrasal Stadium and Chanakyapuri police station, alongside hundreds…
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