The Polis Project research findings came out on the same day that the UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, sent out a strong message defending the freedom of journalists all over the world.
New York-based research and journalism organisation, The Polis Project, has recently published a project titled, Mapping patterns of violence against journalists in India. It was launched on November 2, 2021, which marked the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists. The report covers the period between May 2019 to August 2021, during which, Project Polis along with its research and documentation wing, Watch the State (WTS), recorded 256 cases of violence against journalists across India. This research is part of their ongoing documentation of limitations to press freedom in India and does not claim to represent an exhaustive list.
The report noted that Indian journalists are ‘’routinely threatened, intimidated, arrested, booked and silenced through gag orders and concocted charges by the State. Those who speak up against the current Government are also at risk of being booked for sedition or arrested under draconian laws such as the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (which unilaterally designates individuals as terrorists without the need to provide evidence), the National Security Act and the Public Security Act (PSA).’’
The published research also says: ‘’Criminal prosecutions are often used to gag journalists critical of the authorities, with some prosecutors invoking Section 124a of the Penal Code, under which “sedition” is punishable by life imprisonment. Journalists who’ve reported on crucial and sensitive issues have been attacked, assaulted and in some cases killed for their work.’’
The project recorded violence against journalists for covering the anti-Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) Protests in December 2019, the Delhi Pogrom in February 2020 and ongoing Farmers Protests, since January 2021. Journalists have also been threatened and accused of spreading rumours for asking questions about the government’s handling of the COVID 19 crisis.
‘’The coordinated hate campaigns waged on social media against journalists who question the Government or uncover the truth behind the Government’s actions elicit calls for these journalists to be murdered,’’ says the report.
As expected, the report has generated intrigue on social media.
According to the researchers working on the project, data have been gleaned from reported instances, English news and reports in media.
The Polis Project research findings came out on the same day that the UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, sent out a strong message defending the freedom of journalists all over the world.
“No society can be free without journalists who can investigate wrongdoing & speak truth to power”, the UN Chief said.
Earlier this year, the Norwegian Nobel Committee also decided to award the Nobel Peace Prize for 2021 to Maria Ressa and Dmitry Muratov ‘’for their efforts to safeguard freedom of expression, which is a precondition for democracy and lasting peace.’’
Gargee Chakravarty
Gargee Chakravarty is News Editor at NRI Affairs.
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