Journalists march against detention, assault during protests over electoral rolls
Journalists in New Delhi held a silent march to protest the detention and alleged assault of media personnel covering electoral roll protests. The Press Club of India condemned the actions, arguing that security forces are overstepping by demanding specific government-issued credentials to verify journalists.
Why it matters
This highlights growing tensions regarding press freedom and the state's role in defining and restricting journalistic activity in India.
NEW DELHI: Journalists marched silently around the Press Club of India (PCI) building Tuesday, condemning the detention of and alleged assault on mediapersons covering recent protests against chief election commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged manipulation of electoral rolls.Following the march, PCI stated on X, “Attacks on journalists carrying out their professional duties are unacceptable and undermine the fundamental right of the media to report freely and fearlessly.”A press meeting was held before the march, with several journalists, including those from prominent magazines and digital news platforms, sharing their experience of reporting the protests.Reporters alleged they were heckled, assaulted and threatened by security personnel who detained them for hours even after being shown valid press ID cards.
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