JournalismPakistan.com | Published June 11, 2024
Join our WhatsApp channel
NEW DELHI—India's journalists have faced assaults, attacks, and threats over the past few weeks, with the recent elections and Israel's war on Gaza threatening journalist safety. The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) joins its affiliate, the Indian Journalists Union (IJU), in condemning these attacks and calling on state and national authorities to take action to guarantee the safety of journalists and uphold press freedom.
On May 31, Vinay Pande, an independent journalist, registered a police complaint after receiving death threats, including one message threatening to behead him, on Instagram. Pande filed a complaint with the Nagpur police, with Police Commissioner Ravinder Singal promising 'appropriate legal action.'
The Times of India reported that the threats were made from an Instagram account with 10,000 followers, which posted pictures of Pande and a teenage female influencer, threatening to behead them. Reportedly, Pande was threatened for his reporting on the Gaza Conflict.
Similarly, on June 1, freelance journalist Bunty Mukherjee was severely injured during violent clashes, reportedly between activists from the Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) and the All India Trinamool Congress (TMC), on the last day of voting in the recent Lok Sabha elections in Canning, a town east of Kolkata. During one confrontation, Mukherjee was struck by a stone in his head and was transferred to the Medica Super Specialty Hospital in Kolkata for treatment.
In a separate incident on May 23, journalist Ankur Jaiswal was allegedly assaulted by BJP leader Satish Bhau and others at a private event in the Banganga area of Indore, in the western part of Madhya Pradesh. The Times of India reported that Jaiswal lodged a police complaint, claiming he was attacked by Satish Bhau and his accomplices following a spat over published material exposing their activities.
The IJU stated, "Geetartha Pathak, President of IJU and former member of the Press Council of India, and Sabina Inderjit, Secretary General of IJU and Vice President of the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), demand action against those who threatened the Nagpur journalist and media influencer. IJU also demands an inquiry into the incident where the ANI journalist was injured due to clashes between rival political groups and calls for the perpetrators to be held accountable. The IJU urges state governments to ensure the safety and security of journalists, reminding them that India is slipping down the global press freedom index."
The IFJ added, "Journalists and media workers deserve to work without fear of attacks or retribution. Authorities at both state and national levels must ensure press freedom is upheld, the safety of media workers is guaranteed, and all incidents are investigated immediately, thoroughly, and transparently."—An IFJ media release/Photo: AFP
October 06, 2024: Explore how Thailand's media covers pressing environmental challenges, including climate change, pollution, and conservation efforts. This article examines the role of journalism in raising awareness and fostering public engagement on critical environmental issues.
October 02, 2024: Cambodian investigative journalist Mech Dara was arrested on incitement charges by military police. The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) calls for his immediate release, urging Cambodia’s new leadership to respect press freedom.
September 24, 2024: Broadcast journalist Salman Ali Khan was fatally shot by unknown assailants in Madhya Pradesh, India. The IFJ and IJU demand a thorough investigation into the killing. Khan is the third journalist killed in India in 2024, raising concerns over media safety.
September 23, 2024: Explore the future trends shaping the Asian media industry, from the rise of streaming services to the integration of AI in content creation. Discover how traditional media is evolving and the importance of diversity and inclusion in this rapidly changing landscape.
September 10, 2024: Hanoi court sentences journalist Nguyen Vu Binh to seven years in prison for airing independent views on YouTube. CPJ calls for his immediate release, denouncing Vietnam's harsh crackdown on press freedom and pro-democracy activists.
September 03, 2024: CNN Indonesia's Head of Human Capital Development sent termination notices to 11 union activists just days after they officially registered their union. This controversial move, seen as union busting, has sparked outrage among labor advocates and media workers.
August 30, 2024: Beijing authorities have cut off independent journalist Gao Yu’s internet and phone access following her critical analysis of an Al Jazeera interview. This move comes amid heightened surveillance and harassment as the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation approaches
August 15, 2024: The Committee to Protect Journalists condemns the five-year prison sentence of Nguyen Chi Tuyen, a prominent Vietnamese activist and YouTuber, for his news reporting. CPJ calls for his immediate release, highlighting Vietnam's ongoing repression of press freedom.
October 07, 2024 Geo News anchors criticize Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif for using the banned platform X to address the Karachi attack. Their remarks spark debate over the government’s selective use of banned social media. Read more about the ongoing legal case challenging the X ban.
October 06, 2024 The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) condemns violence against journalists during a PTI protest and demands the immediate release of Faizan Hussain, a senior journalist detained by the government.
October 06, 2024 The International Labour Organization (ILO) invites journalists to participate in its 10th Global Media Competition, aiming to promote fair and balanced reporting on labor migration. Join the initiative to highlight the positive contributions of migrant workers and combat discrimination.
October 06, 2024 Discover the essential techniques and tips for conducting successful sports interviews. This article explores how to engage athletes and ask the right questions to deliver compelling stories.
October 06, 2024 Learn how to effectively engage your audience on social media to boost your business. Discover proven strategies and tips for creating meaningful interactions that drive growth and success.