Journalist bodies condemn raid on NewsClick, call it attempt to 'muzzle' the press
Editors Guild of India (EGI), condemned the Delhi Police raids on news portal NewsClick and its journalists on Tuesday, with some alleging that it was an attempt to «muzzle» the press.
The EGI issued a statement, saying it was deeply concerned about the raids at the residences of senior journalists on Tuesday morning. These raids are yet another attempt to «muzzle the media», it said.
«We remind the government of the importance of an independent media in a functioning democracy and urge it to ensure that the fourth pillar is respected, nurtured and protected,» the guild said.
«While we recognise that the law must take its course if actual offences are involved, the due process has to be followed.
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 added.
In a post on X, the Press Club of India (PCI) said it is deeply concerned about the raids. «We are monitoring the developments and will be releasing a detailed statement.
The PCI stands in solidarity with the journalists and demands the government to come out with details,» it said.
A spontaneous protest meeting was held at the PCI here against the police action. The meeting resolved to continue the protest to defend media freedom.
The Indian Women Press Corps (IWPC) said «this harassment» of the media by government agencies should stop.
«A vibrant democracy will never remain vibrant if the media is not given the space to analyse government policies independently.
