Hyderabad: Women Journalists Protest at Tank Bund Over Alleged Assaults and Harassment in Delhi
Women journalists gathered at the Ambedkar statue on Tank Bund on Monday evening to protest assaults, sexual harassment and unlawful detention of women reporters covering demonstrations in New Delhi and other cities.
Hyderabad: Women journalists gathered at the Ambedkar statue on Tank Bund on Monday evening to protest assaults, sexual harassment and unlawful detention of women reporters covering demonstrations in New Delhi and other cities.
They demanded the release of detained journalists, withdrawal of cases against them and an independent inquiry into police conduct.
The protesters carried placards that read “Stop suppressing media freedom” and “Fear won't silence us”.
They said in a statement that police personnel and men in civilian clothes had attacked journalists despite being told they were members of the press.
Reporters covering protests against the special intensive revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and demanding Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation had faced intimidation and obstruction, they added.
Their statement referred to allegations that police sexually harassed three women journalists.
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) took suo motu cognisance of the matter and sought a detailed report from the Delhi Police Commissioner within two weeks.
The protesters also referred to the Supreme Court’s October 11 directions against unlawful detentions.
They said attacks continued despite assurances to the court that journalists and other professionals would not be obstructed in their work.
The women termed such attacks a violation of press freedom and the dignity and safety of women.
They also condemned alleged assaults on women who had come to participate in demonstrations.
The protesters demanded that journalists be allowed to cover public events without threats or detention and that those responsible for the attacks face action.
