The Press Club of India (PCI) has strongly condemned the recent attacks on journalists covering the ongoing student protest at New Delhi’s Jantar Mantar, and called the violence against media personnel from both protesters and security forces, “a serious threat to press freedom.” In a statement, the journalists’ body said several incidents of journalists being assaulted while reporting from the protest site had now been widely reported.
It noted that violence had come “both from those gathered in and around the protest site, and the police and security forces.” The body also expressed concern over reports that some journalists were allegedly attacked even after showing their official press identity cards.
The PCI raised particular concern over a report claiming that one of the journalists was struck by a projectile resembling a pellet, severely injuring his arm while covering the protests. It said at least three other similar pellet-like injuries had also been reported. The Delhi Police has denied using pellet guns and the Press Club said other security agencies deployed in the area should clarify whether such weapons were used and explain how journalists sustained such injuries.
The statement comes amid growing concern over the covering the month-long CJP-led agitation, which entered its fifth week this week. One of the most high-profile incidents involved Times Now reporter Dev Kotak, who was allegedly assaulted by a group of protesters while reporting live from Jantar Mantar. Kotak was surrounded, heckled and physically attacked during a live broadcast. The incident drew widespread condemnation from media organisations and political leaders.
Earlier, the had also condemned the attack on Kotak, calling it an assault on press freedom and demanding strict action against those responsible. The later issued a similar statement, saying attacks on journalists performing their constitutional duty were “completely unacceptable.” It urged the Delhi Police to conduct a swift and transparent investigation, identify those behind the attacks and ensure journalists can report safely without fear of violence or intimidation.
The Press Club of India said the repeated attacks on journalists covering the protest undermine their ability to work freely and safely. It urged authorities to ensure accountability and take immediate steps to protect media personnel reporting from the ground.