Pramesh S Jain
New Delhi:The International Council for Journalists (ICJ) has written to Union Home Minister Amit Shah seeking an impartial investigation and stringent legal action over the alleged assault on journalists,Students and security personnel during a recent protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi.
In a letter addressed to the Union Home Minister,Binish Thomas,Director–India & Asian Region of the ICJ, expressed serious concern over reports that journalists covering the protest were allegedly assaulted, obstructed and intimidated while performing their professional duties.
The organisation also raised concern over allegations that some women journalists were subjected to inappropriate behaviour during the protest, stating that if established, such incidents pose a serious threat to the safety, dignity and independence of the press.
The ICJ urged the Ministry of Home Affairs to direct the concerned authorities to conduct a fair, impartial and expeditious investigation.
It requested that all available evidence, including publicly circulated videos and other digital material, be examined to identify those responsible and that FIRs be registered wherever warranted under law.
The Council further expressed concern over reports that security personnel, including Rapid Action Force (RAF) personnel deployed to maintain law and order, were allegedly assaulted and obstructed while discharging their duties.
It said attacks on law enforcement personnel are unacceptable and should be dealt with strictly in accordance with the law.
Reiterating its commitment to press freedom and the rule of law, the ICJ said journalists must be able to carry out their work without fear of violence or intimidation, while security personnel should be allowed to perform their constitutional responsibilities without interference.
The organisation urged the Government of India to ensure that those responsible for acts of violence against journalists and security personnel are brought to justice through due legal process, stating that such action would reinforce public confidence in the rule of law and send a strong message that violence against the media and students will not be tolerated.
