Hyderabad Press Club Denounces Violence Against Journalists at Delhi Protest

The Hyderabad Press Club has expressed strong disapproval regarding the violent incidents that occurred during a protest led by the Cockroach Janta Party on July 20 in New Delhi, particularly near Jantar Mantar. The organization emphasized that while citizens have the right to voice their dissent against the government, resorting to violence against journalists who are simply doing their job is a blatant violation of constitutional principles and undermines the democratic ethos of the nation. The press club highlighted the importance of protecting media personnel, stating that their work is crucial for informing the public about government actions and societal issues. The club condemned the targeting of field reporters, asserting that such aggression is unacceptable, especially when media outlets strive to serve the public interest and uphold democratic values.

In a detailed statement, the Hyderabad Press Club condemned the use of excessive force by law enforcement during the protest, which included the deployment of batons, pellet guns, and other aggressive tactics against both protestors and journalists. They noted with concern that one journalist sustained injuries due to pellet gunfire, raising alarms about the safety of media workers in such volatile situations. The press club also pointed out that footage from the event revealed some Delhi police officers operating without identification badges, which contravenes established legal precedents set by the Supreme Court in the DK Basu vs. State of West Bengal case from 1997. This lack of accountability from police personnel was characterized as irresponsible behavior that further exacerbates tensions during public demonstrations.