(RSF/IFEX) – Reporters Without Borders has condemned the 17 February 2006 beating by police of journalists Robin Dhekial Phukan, of the daily “Asomiya Pratidin”, and Parag Bhuyan, of “Dainik Janambhumi”, in Kakopathar, in the northeastern state of Assam. The journalists were there to cover a visit by State Chief Minister Tarun Gagoi. “It is shocking […]
(RSF/IFEX) – Reporters Without Borders has condemned the 17 February 2006 beating by police of journalists Robin Dhekial Phukan, of the daily “Asomiya Pratidin”, and Parag Bhuyan, of “Dainik Janambhumi”, in Kakopathar, in the northeastern state of Assam. The journalists were there to cover a visit by State Chief Minister Tarun Gagoi.
“It is shocking that reporters are beaten just for doing their job,” the organisation said. “We demand that those responsible be punished.”
Phukan, who was badly injured when beaten by a policeman, was taken to a police station and then to hospital. Bhuyan, who was injured when police charged a crowd shouting anti-government slogans, was taken to the local hospital and then to Tinsukia.
Police refused to comment on the incidents. Journalists subsequently boycotted a press conference called by the head of government.
