The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) has condemned a series of attacks and threats against journalists in India, highlighting the growing concerns over press freedom and journalist safety in the country. The incidents, which have taken place over the past few weeks, underscore the need for authorities to take immediate action to protect journalists and uphold the fundamental right to freedom of expression.
One of the most recent involved Jyotiranjan Mohapatra, a broadcast journalist with Bada Khabar TV, who was attacked by four people on motorcycles in the eastern Odisha state on February 10. Mohapatra sustained a series of injuries, including a sword attack, and was transferred to the Capital Hospital for treatment. The incident is believed to be related to his reporting, with the assailants stealing cash and valuables before fleeing the scene. Three persons have been arrested in connection with the attack, and an investigation is underway.
Another incident occurred on February 9, when journalist Nikhil Wagle’s car was attacked by political activists in Maharashtra. The car was stopped by a group of people shouting slogans and throwing ink and foodstuffs, causing significant damage to the vehicle. Wagle has been charged under two First Information Reports (FIRs) one launched by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) related to allegedly defamatory social media posts and the second launched by Pune police for unauthorized attendance at a program. The Press Club of India, the Indian Women’s Press Corps, and The Editors Guild of India have all condemned the attack on Wagle, with the guild calling it “unjust illegal, and deplorable”.
In addition to these incidents, several other journalists have been threatened and attacked in recent weeks. Vinay Pand, an independent journalist, received death threats on Instagram, including one message threatening to behead him, on May 31. Pande registered a police complaint, and the police promised to take appropriate legal action. Freelance journalist Bunty Mukherjee was severely injured during violent clashes between activists of the BJP and the All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) on June 1. Journalist Ankur Jaiswal was allegedly assaulted by BJP leader Satish Bhau and others at a private event in Indore on May 23.
The IFJ and its affiliate, the Indian Journalists Union (IJU), have condemned these attacks and called on authorities to ensure that all investigations are conducted thoroughly and transparently. The IJU has demanded legal action against those responsible for the attacks and urged the government to ensure the safety and security of journalists in their states. The IFJ has emphasized that journalists and media workers deserve to work without fear of attacks or other retribution and that authorities must ensure that press freedom is upheld and the safety of the media is guaranteed.
These incidents are part of a broader trend of attacks on journalists in India. According to a report by the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), more than a dozen journalists were harassed or injured during the 2020 Delhi riots, and a record number of journalists have been arrested or faced criminal charges since the last general election. The CPJ has documented at least 15 journalists charged under India’s Antiterror Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, which allows for detention without trial or charges for up to 180 days.
The IFJ has also highlighted the growing polarization of the media in India, with many journalists facing intimidation and harassment for their reporting. The organization has called on authorities to ensure that the media is free to report without fear of reprisal and that any incidents are investigated immediately, thoroughly, and transparently.
In conclusion, the recent attacks and threats against journalists in India are a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by the media in the country. The IFJ and its affiliate, the IJU, have condemned these incidents and called on authorities to take immediate action to protect journalists and uphold press freedom. The government and other stakeholders must work together to ensure a safe and free environment for journalists to report without fear of reprisal.
