(IFJ/IFEX) – The following is an IFJ media release: IFJ concerned about violent attack on TV crew in Chennai The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), the global organisation representing over 500,000 journalists in more than 110 countries, is deeply concerned about reports of a violent attack against TV journalists in Chennai. According to IFJ sources, […]
(IFJ/IFEX) – The following is an IFJ media release:
IFJ concerned about violent attack on TV crew in Chennai
The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), the global organisation representing over 500,000 journalists in more than 110 countries, is deeply concerned about reports of a violent attack against TV journalists in Chennai.
According to IFJ sources, on August 31 a television crew was allegedly assaulted in Chennai while covering a victory celebration of transport employees who had been offered a salary increase and other benefits by the state government.
The Jaya TV crew, including reporter Mahalingam, cameraman Rajesh Kannan and assistant cameraman Babu, were seriously injured and hospitalised after allegedly being assaulted by a gang of people at the event.
“This latest incident is very troubling when the number of attacks against journalist in India seems to be on the rise,” said IFJ President Christopher Warren.
“Threats and attacks against journalists are attacks against press freedom and diminish the vitality of democracy. Journalists must be able to report without fear for their safety,” said the IFJ President.
“I urge authorities to quickly investigate this incident and bring the perpetrators to justice,” said Warren.
Local journalists’ associations, Chennai Press Club, Madras Union of Journalists, Erode Press Club and Madras Reporters Guild, also condemned the attack.
The IFJ is also concerned about other recent incidents threatening press freedom and journalists rights.
On August 26, journalist Ms Shikha Das was attacked by several people wielding knives in Mahasamund district of Chhattisgarh after exposing an alleged fraud by members of a powerful local family.
On the night of August 28, a police team illegally detained The Indian Express principal correspondent Gautam Dheer before reportedly charging Dheer with trumped-up allegations of “threatening a minor girl” allegedly raped in Nayagaon village near Chandigarh in 2003.
The IFJ represents more than 500,000 journalists in more than 110 countries.
