Pramesh S Jain
Senior journalist and National Director of the International Council for Journalists (ICJ), Binish Thomas, has strongly condemned the reported attacks on journalists during a protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi.
Binish Thomas stated that attacks on journalists cannot be tolerated or justified.
Journalists are the frontline warriors of democracy, working tirelessly to bring important information, public concerns, and ground realities to the people.
Their professional responsibilities must be respected, and their safety and security must be guaranteed.
“Police personnel must not target or attack journalists who are carrying out their professional duties.
Journalists have a fundamental responsibility to inform the public, and they must be allowed to perform their work without fear, intimidation, or violence,” Binish Thomas said.
He further warned that if such incidents occur again, the International Council for Journalists will take up the matter with the concerned authorities and pursue appropriate legal remedies wherever necessary.
Binish Thomas reiterated the ICJ’s demand for the enactment of a Journalist Protection Bill to ensure the safety and security of journalists across India.
He urged the Central Government and the concerned authorities to take this demand seriously and introduce effective measures to protect media professionals.
“Journalists are the voice of the people. Any attack on a journalist is a serious concern for press freedom and democracy.
Police personnel must respect journalists and must not obstruct or assault them while they are performing their professional duties.
The ICJ will stand firmly with journalists and fight for their rights through every appropriate legal and democratic means,” Binish Thomas declared.
The ICJ calls upon the authorities to protect press freedom, ensure journalist safety, and take appropriate action against any proven misconduct.
