Dear Sir
1. The Delhi Union of Journalists- the oldest and most representative body of journalists in Delhi- calls upon the Press Council of India to take suo-moto positive action taking in view increasing attacks on presspersons for two consecutive days on February 15 and 16 2016, while performing their duties in covering the hearing of the arrested J N U students union president in the Patiala House Courts.
2. It takes note of the fact that these were the regular beat journalists who were on assignment. Even women journalists were not spared. It is unfortunate that security personnel of the Delhi Police did nothing even as the assault continued. Several first hand accounts have appeared in the media about how the assault happened.
3. It further notes that 90 percent of the National Press and almost all the TV chains have covered the event. This itself is evidence of what happened. It is now a matter of record in public domain.
4. This in our humble opinion is not only an attempt to muzzle reporting and intimidate the press and attack press freedom but a severe indictment of the police which acted as if giving a willing nod to those attacking the press persons, many of whom were even women journalists and camera persons. They were targeted by persons in black coats some of whom were lawyers.
Expecting prompt action.
Yours sincerely
(S.K.Pande)
President
Press Release
