JournalismPakistan.com | Published August 29, 2017
Join our WhatsApp channelNEW DELHI - As local authorities in India's northern state of Haryana investigate widespread rioting on August 25 that left at least 28 dead and over 250 injured, they must include attacks on journalists and bring those responsible to justice, the Committee to Protect Journalists said Monday.
At least two journalists suffered significant injuries, and at least half a dozen news outlets suffered damage to their equipment, including vehicles.
Violence broke out after a court convicted the sect leader Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh Ji Insaan of raping two of his followers in 2002, according to news reports. The Associated Press reported that the guru was sentenced to a total of 20 years in prison.
"While we recognize that Indian authorities were facing a broad civil emergency when rioting broke out on Friday, the rights of journalists to report without fear of attack must be protected," said Steven Butler, CPJ Asia Program Coordinator Steven Butler from Washington D.C. "Local authorities must ensure that attacks on the media are thoroughly investigated and the perpetrators held to account."
India Today TV principal correspondent Ashutosh Mishra and his cameraperson Pradeep Gupta were attacked while traveling in a car, according to a tweet from Shiv Aroor, a consulting editor with the channel.
A video shows the car being attacked with sticks and rocks, and Gupta in the rear seat is shown bleeding and gripping his head. The camera person was later taken to the hospital and was scheduled to undergo surgery for a broken jaw, according to a tweet from Rahul Kanwal, the station's managing editor. Kanwal declined to comment further when CPJ contacted him.
In Sirsa town, headquarters of the spiritual guru's organization Dera Sacha Dauda, a reporter with PTC news channel Rakesh Kumar fractured his arm and the channel's cameraman Shapinder Singh went missing for a few hours, according to media reports. "The camera person was traced at night," Sanjay Malhotra, the Haryana bureau chief of PTC, told CPJ. "His cell phone and equipment were destroyed but he managed to reach a relative's house and informed us that he was fine."
Members of a mob hit on the head an engineer with New Delhi Television who was identified only by his first name, Hari, and the channel's outdoor broadcast van was burnt to the ground, the channel reported. A broadcast van belonging to Times Now was overturned, the outlet reported.
Other channels, including RepublicTV and CNN-News18, also reported that a mob attacked their crews. The journalists reported that they abandoned the broadcast vans and ran to safety when they came under attack. However, a mob beat up a cameraman for CNN-News18 and stole his vehicle, according to a report on Firstpost.com, a sister website of the channel. The report showed torn trousers and bruises to the knees, but no serious injuries. – CPJ media alert/Photo: haryana.gov.in
February 07, 2025: PTV pensioners staged nationwide protests demanding their unpaid pensions, medical benefits, and dues for nearly 400 retirees. Protesters, supported by PFUJ, criticized PTV management for corruption and lavish expenses while neglecting retirees' rights.
February 06, 2025: PFUJ has challenged the controversial PECA Act 2025 in the Islamabad High Court, citing it as an attack on press freedom. Journalists and rights organizations protest the law’s implications for free speech and media independence in Pakistan.
February 06, 2025: Pakistani women journalists like Munizae Jahangir and Asma Shirazi face severe threats, harassment, and online abuse. This article explores the struggles of women in media, the systemic challenges, and potential solutions to ensure press freedom and journalist safety.
January 29, 2025: As the White House welcomes podcasters and digital journalists, Pakistan tightens censorship through PECA amendments, silencing independent voices and forcing journalists into exile. A stark contrast in press freedom emerges.
January 29, 2025: Pakistan’s latest PECA amendments expand government control over social media, criminalize misinformation, and threaten freedom of expression. Media stakeholders and human rights groups condemn the draconian changes. Learn more about the implications for journalists and activists.
January 28, 2025: The Forum for Digital Rights and Democracy has raised concerns over the Prevention of Electronic Crimes (Amendment) Act, 2025, highlighting its risks to free speech, democratic values, and digital rights in Pakistan.
January 28, 2025: The Pakistan Senate's passage of the PECA Amendments Bill has sparked national and international outrage, marking a dark chapter for media freedom and free speech in the country.
January 23, 2025: CPJ exposes Pakistan's dangerous deportation of Afghan journalists fleeing Taliban persecution, highlighting critical human rights violations and press freedom challenges. #JournalistSafety
February 07, 2025 Mozambican journalist Albino Sibia was killed while filming police brutality, and reporter Pedro Junior was shot covering his funeral. Arlindo Chissale remains missing. These attacks highlight the dire state of press freedom in Mozambique amid post-election unrest.
February 05, 2025 The Committee to Protect Journalists urges the Indian government to stop targeting independent journalism after revoking the nonprofit and tax-exempt statuses of The Reporters’ Collective and The File. Learn how this impacts investigative reporting and media freedom in India.
February 04, 2025 Ukraine’s security service (SBU) has opened a criminal case for disclosure of state secrets following Ukrainska Pravda’s report on statements by military intelligence chief Kyrylo Budanov. CPJ urges authorities to respect press freedom and journalist protections.
February 03, 2025 Cambodian journalists Duong Akhara and Lay Socheat have been detained on incitement charges after publishing a video allegedly showing torture in a cyberscam center. Press freedom advocates call for their immediate release.
February 03, 2025 Explore the rich history and philosophical significance of the Olympic Games, from their ancient Greek origins to their modern revival. Discover how the ideals of excellence, unity, and human resilience continue to inspire the world through the Olympic spirit.