India: numerous journalists detained during Delhi protests
The NUJ has joined the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and the National Union of Journalists India (NUJI) in condemning the media crackdown during protests against alleged election manipulation in Delhi.
Between 10-11 October, at least 30 journalists were temporarily detained while covering protests organised by students and India’s Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) against Gyanesh Kumar, the city’s chief election commissioner. Those detained included reporters from the Hindustan Times and Reuters, among others.
In several cases, journalists reported physical assault, harassment and obstruction despite identifying themselves as accredited members of the press. The IFJ has already documented multiple incidents of state violence and harassment against media workers this year.
Two more journalists were detained while covering solidarity protests in Ahmedabad and Pune, while internet services were suspended and social media posts were removed to allegedly “limit the spread of misinformation”. While many of those arrested have since been released, some remain in detention.
The NUJ stands in solidarity with media workers in India, and joins the IFJ and NUJI in calling for the immediate release of all journalists as well as an investigation into police harassment and violence.
The IFJ said:
“The IFJ condemns the arbitrary and violent detention of journalists and the draconian restrictions on information and internet services during the CJP protests. All journalists remaining in detention must be immediately released, with a full investigation into allegations of violence and harassment. Both state and national authorities must respect the Supreme Court direction and uphold their obligations to protect press freedom and democracy, ensuring that journalists can work without fear of reprisal.”
The NUJI said:
“The National Union of Journalists India (NUJI) strongly condemns the detention of journalists covering recent youth-led and other political protests in New Delhi and across India. Journalists must be allowed to perform their professional duties freely, independently, and without fear or intimidation. NUJI urges the police authorities to respect press freedom and refrain from unnecessarily stopping, harassing, or detaining journalists while they are carrying out their legitimate professional responsibilities.”