G News bureau chief arrested for covering lockdown violations
JournalismPakistan.com | Published: 20 April 2020
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G News Bureau Chief Arsalan Ahmed was arrested by the district administration for covering lockdown violations in Peshawar. The journalist community has condemned the action, highlighting targeted intimidation against media workers.Summary
PESHAWAR—The district administration on Sunday allegedly tortured and arrested G-News Bureau Chief Arsalan Ahmed as he covered the lockdown violations, exposing the provincial government’s failure to control the spread of coronavirus.
Ahmed was put into a police van while making footage of businesses in Qissa Khwani Bazaar, and his mobile phone snatched.
Local journalists say that the district administration deliberately targeted media workers to stop them from reporting authentic news. Although Ahmed proved his journalistic identity, the assistant commissioner paid no heed and ordered his arrest, they said.
The journalist community has condemned the arrest and demanded action against the officials involved.
Journalists and media workers are exempt from travel restrictions during the lockdown.
KEY POINTS:
- Arsalan Ahmed arrested while filming lockdown violations
- Local authorities allegedly tortured and confiscated his mobile phone
- Journalists are exempt from lockdown travel restrictions
- Community demands accountability from officials involved
- Concerns over press freedom in Pakistan escalated
