‘Journalists must be allowed to work freely’: Press Club over Jantar Mantar police action
The Press Club of India has condemned the Delhi Police's treatment of journalists and the imposition of internet bans during recent protests at Jantar Mantar. The police have transferred complaints of sexual harassment filed by female journalists to the Crime Branch for investigation.
Why it matters
This incident raises significant concerns regarding press freedom and the safety of journalists covering civil unrest in India.
NEW DELHI: The Press Club of India has condemned the Delhi Police’s alleged treatment of journalists and imposition of internet ban during protests at Jantar Mantar against chief election commissioner Gyanesh Kumar on Friday and Saturday, saying such behaviour “cannot be normalised in a democracy”.In a statement, the Press Club said it was “shocked and dismayed” by the police action against journalists covering the protests and raised concerns over media freedom in the national capital.“Journalists must be allowed to work freely, without fear, and document those who gather to raise various issues,” the Press Club said, adding that the restrictions on journalists even in the heart of Delhi “do not bode well for the trajectory of media freedom in India”.The Press Club also urged the Delhi Police to immediately act on a complaint filed by a female journalist and ensure that mediapersons are able to perform their duties without facing…
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