‘Targeted harassment campaign’: Press bodies condemn police searches of journalists’ homes

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‘Targeted harassment campaign’: Press bodies condemn police searches against NewsClick

A case under the UAPA was also filed against web portal NewsClick.

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Multiple press bodies have condemned the Delhi police’s UAPA case against NewsClick and its search of journalists’ houses this morning.

Among those whose homes were reportedly searched were journalists Paranjoy Guha Thakurta, Abhisar Sharma, Urmilesh, Aunindyo Chakraborty and Bhasha Singh, besides satirist Sanjay Rajaura and activist Sohail Hashmi. At least two journalists were also detained.

Digipub News India Foundation said it was “deeply concerned” and called the developments “another instance of the government’s pattern of arbitrary and intimidatory behaviour”.

DIGIPUB is deeply concerned about the raids at the homes of journalists connected with #Newsclick. They have been detained, their phones & laptops seized. This is another instance of the govt’s pattern of arbitrary & intimidatory behaviour. We are keeping an eye on developments.
— DIGIPUB News India Foundation (@DigipubIndia) October 3, 2023

The Network of Women in Media, India said the journalists whose homes were searched were all “prominent voices of dissent”.

“Journalists, activists and artists who speak truth to power are being unrelentingly harassed and persecuted by the government, while pliant and sycophantic mediapersons and media houses are being nurtured,” the group tweeted.

Journalists, activists and artists who speak truth to power are being unrelentingly harassed and persecuted by the government, while pliant and sycophantic mediapersons and media houses are being nurtured. This campaign to quell dissent has to stop. (2/2)
— NWMIndia (@NWM_India) October 3, 2023

The Editors Guild said the investigation of specific offences “must not create a general atmosphere of intimidation under the shadow of draconian laws, or impinge on the freedom of expression and the raising of dissenting and critical voices”.

It urged the government to “ensure that the fourth pillar is respected, nurtured and protected”.

EGI is deeply concerned about the raids at the residences of senior journalists on the morning of October 3, and the subsequent detention of many of those journalists. Urges the state to follow due process, and not to make draconian criminal laws as tools for press intimidation pic.twitter.com/lHwOTi3XcS
— Editors Guild of India (@IndEditorsGuild) October 3, 2023

The Press Club of India said it stands “in solidarity” and demanded that the government “come out with details”.

The PCI stand in solidarity with the journalists and demand the government to come out with details. #DefendMediaFreed
— Press Club of India (@PCITweets) October 3, 2023

The Mumbai Press Club called it a “targeted harassment campaign against these journalists” and asked for an “unbiased investigation”.

The Mumbai Press Club urges for an unbiased investigation and calls upon the Delhi Police to desist from what is perceived as a targeted harassment campaign against these journalists.
— Mumbai Press Club (@mumbaipressclub) October 3, 2023

The Foundation for Media Professionals also demanded “greater disclosure by authorities on the raids today”.

The raids by police today at homes of select journalists and some others is of grave concern to us at FMP. We ask for greater disclosure by authorities on the raids today.

The seizure of phones and laptops of journalists without legal safeguards jeopardises freedom of press.
— FMP/ Foundation for Media Professionals (@mediatrack_in) October 3, 2023

Last year, the foundation filed a writ petition in the Supreme Court seeking guidelines on the “search and seizure” of digital devices by government agencies. The Supreme Court issued notice to the union government and certain ministries soon after.

In 2021, the Enforcement Directorate had searched NewsClick premises and the homes of its senior management over a reported money laundering case related to foreign funding. Read all about it here.

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