(IFJ/IFEX) – The following is an IFJ media release: Indian female journalist beaten up while on the job The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) is shocked to hear of the recent bashing of Northeast Television (NeTV) journalist Afrida Hussain. According to an IFJ affiliate, the Indian Journalists’ Union (IJU), Hussain was physically assaulted by security […]
(IFJ/IFEX) – The following is an IFJ media release:
Indian female journalist beaten up while on the job
The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) is shocked to hear of the recent bashing of Northeast Television (NeTV) journalist Afrida Hussain.
According to an IFJ affiliate, the Indian Journalists’ Union (IJU), Hussain was physically assaulted by security of the Guwahati Medical College Hospital on March 31, when she attempted to interview a group of hospitalised women.
Hussain was allegedly dragged, kicked and punched mercilessly and is now undergoing treatment at the International Hospital, Guwahati.
“This is appalling treatment of a female journalist, and the IFJ demands the authorities launch an immediate investigation into this violent attack,” IFJ President Christopher Warren said.
The women Hussain was trying to gain access to were reportedly wives of missing United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) militants.
The IJU reports that the wives have been fasting in protest against the Assam Legislative Assembly since March 21, demanding information on the whereabouts of their husbands who were arrested and reportedly detained in Bhutan by the Royal Bhutan Army since December 2003.
Recently charged with “attempt to commit suicide”, the police admitted the women into hospital, with some reportedly in critical condition. Hospital authorities were reportedly advised not to let media enter the premises to cover the story.
“It is disgraceful that security guards can beat a female journalist into submission to suppress a story, and they must not be allowed to get away with this,” Warren said.
“For her unnecessary sufferings, Hussain should be entitled to an apology and compensation by the Guwahati Medical College Hospital, as well as a full investigation to find those responsible for the attacks on her,” he said.
The IFJ represents over 500,000 journalists in more than 115 countries.
