DUJ Condemns Attacks on Journos During Critical Phases of Elections

New Delhi: Amid several instances of attacks on journalists covering the general elections, the Delhi Union of Journalists (DUJ) has expressed deep concern and has advised reporters to try and remain neutral and avoid taking a “confrontationist” approach.

Referring to the alleged misbehaviour of some Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) activists toward a TimesNow reporter and cameraperson, who have registered a police complaint, the DUJ said

“Sections of the media establishment unfortunately reflect the political leanings of their corporate owners. Journalists are expected to toe the political line and become identified as pro- or anti- various political forces. This frequently leads to open arguments between journalists and those they are sent to cover. There has been increasing hostility towards sections of the media at various citizen protests e.g. the farmers’ agitations,” it noted.

The DUJ also condemned the beating up of YouTube journalist Raghav Trivedi while covering Amit Shah’s rally in Rae Bareli on May 12.

On May 13, Ashutosh Srivastava who worked for some channels was shot dead in his village in Jaunpur, Uttar Pradesh, allegedly because he exposed some cow smugglers.

“We urge police to do their duty and protect journalists at such events,” it said, especially as the environment is “volatile” for even regular coverage.

Read the full release below:

Delhi Union of Journalists condemns attacks on journalists during the critical phases of the current general elections.

 It deeply regrets the misbehavior of Aam Aadmi Party activists towards Times Now reporter Akanksha Khajuria and cameraperson Radhakrishna who have registered a police complaint saying they were assaulted and their camera broken. The journalists had gone to the AAP office in Delhi and were refused entry, leading to a confrontation.

The DUJ advises journalists to be cautious while covering elections and take a neutral stand rather than open confrontation, so that they do not face violence. Sections of the media establishment unfortunately reflect the political leanings of their corporate owners. Journalists are expected to toe the political line and become identified as pro or anti various political forces. This frequently leads to open arguments between journalists and those they are sent to cover. There has been increasing hostility towards sections of the media at various citizen protests e.g. the farmers’ agitations.  

Several journalists have faced problems during election coverage. YouTube journalist Raghav Trivedi was beaten up while covering Amit Shah’s rally in Rae Bareli on May 12. We urge police to do their duty and protect journalists at such events. 

 On May 13 Ashutosh Srivastava who worked for some channels was shot dead in his village in Jaunpur, Uttar Pradesh, allegedly because he exposed some cow smugglers.

 In a volatile environment even regular coverage of events may invite trouble. This month, for instance, the Uttarakhand police filed a case against journalist Manmeet Rawat of the Dainik Bhaskar for reporting on the massive pilgrim rush towards Chardham, leading to pilgrim deaths. Police also prosecuted Gajendra Rawat and Ganesh Panwar for a Facebook post on the alleged theft of gold plate from the Kedarnath Temple.  In March Ashutosh Negi, who wrote and agitated seeking justice for the murder of Ankita Bhandari, was arrested.

The DUJ strongly objects to the police action in these cases and demands their withdrawal.

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Sujata  Madhok                                 Jigeesh. A.M                           

President                                           General Secretary