General NewsIndiaIndia governmentNew DelhiWorld News Raids on Indian Journalists and Media Outlets Signal Growing Concerns Over Press Freedom by Ethan Kim October 3, 2023 written by Ethan Kim October 3, 2023 5 comments Bookmark 31 Indian law enforcement agencies recently conducted raids on the premises of a news website currently under investigation for alleged financial support from China. Additionally, the homes of several journalists connected to the site were searched. Critics argue that this move represents an assault on one of the dwindling numbers of independent media outlets in India. This action follows a series of raids earlier this year when Indian authorities searched the offices of the BBC in New Delhi and Mumbai, alleging tax evasion issues dating back to February. Established in 2009, NewsClick is notable for being one of the few media organizations in India that openly criticizes Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Numerous other news agencies have also been probed for fiscal misconduct during Modi’s tenure, under his Hindu nationalist administration. International observers are increasingly concerned that press freedom in India is on the decline. Legal action against the news website and its journalists was initiated on August 17, just weeks after a report by The New York Times claimed that the outlet had received financial backing from an American millionaire accused of supporting “Chinese propaganda.” NewsClick has rejected these allegations. Table of Contents Related StoriesFrequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Press Freedom in IndiaWhat is the reason behind the raids on the news website and journalists’ homes in India? Related Stories Indian Authorities Accuse BBC of Tax Evasion Following Raids Senior Official from India’s Ruling Party Plans Legal Action Against Critical News Outlet New Data Protection Legislation Passed in India Amid Privacy Concerns The case against NewsClick and its journalists was filed under an expansive anti-terrorism statute that permits the levying of charges for “activities against the nation.” This law has previously been deployed against activists, journalists, and critics of the Modi government, some of whom have spent considerable time in custody without trial. As of now, no arrests related to NewsClick have been made. According to the Press Trust of India, anonymous officials indicated that electronic data was confiscated from the journalists’ laptops and mobile phones during the raids, and at least two journalists were temporarily detained. Abhisar Sharma, one of the journalists whose home was raided, stated on a social media platform formerly known as Twitter, “Delhi police arrived at my home and confiscated my laptop and phone.” While Delhi police have not issued any official statements, Anurag Thakur, India’s junior minister for information and broadcasting, told media representatives that investigative agencies are authorized to probe any suspected wrongdoing. In a previous statement, Thakur had accused NewsClick of propagating an “anti-India agenda” and of collaboration with the opposition Indian National Congress party, claims that both parties have vehemently denied. Reporters Without Borders, an organization advocating for journalistic freedoms, recently ranked India 161st in its press freedom index, noting a decline from a “problematic” to a “very bad” situation. The Press Club of India expressed “deep concern” over the raids, stating, “We stand in solidarity with the journalists and demand the government disclose further details.” Amid ongoing tensions with China since military confrontations in 2020 led to casualties on both sides, India has taken measures such as banning Chinese-owned apps like TikTok and initiating tax investigations against Chinese smartphone companies. Moreover, the Modi government has enacted regulations that mandate governmental approval for investments from companies situated in China and other neighboring countries. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Press Freedom in India What is the reason behind the raids on the news website and journalists’ homes in India? The raids were conducted as part of an investigation into allegations that the news website received funds from China. This move raised concerns about the site’s financial activities and potential foreign You Might Be Interested In Hundreds of journalists strike to demand leadership change at biggest US newspaper chain Two Individuals Apprehended in Connection with the Felling of the Renowned Sycamore Gap Tree near Hadrian’s Wall A Detroit synagogue president was fatally stabbed outside her home. Police don’t have a motive Visa Restrictions Imposed on Certain Ugandans by the US Following Adoption of Anti-Gay Law Cyclone Biparjoy Causes Destruction and Loss of Life in India and Pakistan The number of wounded Israeli soldiers is mounting, representing a hidden cost of war General NewsGovernment RaidsIndiaIndia governmentIndian MediaJournalist RightsNarendra ModiNew Delhipress freedom Share 0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail Ethan Kim Follow Author Ethan Kim is a world news reporter who covers breaking news stories from around the globe. He has reported on everything from natural disasters to international conflicts, and he is dedicated to bringing his readers accurate and timely information. previous post Trio of Physicists Awarded Nobel Prize for Investigations into Electron Behavior in Atoms Within Minute Timeframes next post AP PHOTOGRAPHS: Transforming Alpine Landscapes as Glaciers Slowly Vanish You may also like Bookmark A woman who burned Wyoming’s only full-service abortion... December 28, 2023 Bookmark Argument over Christmas gifts turns deadly as 14-year-old... December 28, 2023 Bookmark Danny Masterson sent to state prison to serve... December 28, 2023 Bookmark Hong Kong man jailed for 6 years after... December 28, 2023 Bookmark AP concludes at least hundreds died in floods... December 28, 2023 Bookmark Live updates | Israeli forces raid a West... December 28, 2023 5 comments PoliticalJunkie October 3, 2023 - 10:41 am anti-Modi media attacked, need more info, gov power grab? Reply CryptoNewsGuy October 3, 2023 - 9:36 pm wild times in India, press freedom at risk, need unbiased news Reply john_smith October 4, 2023 - 2:22 am so the gov raids news website? like china money involvd. press freedom look bad Reply MediaGuru October 4, 2023 - 4:29 am sad, NewsClick stand up, tax probe, no arrests yet, free press important Reply Journalism4All October 4, 2023 - 9:23 am India press rank drop, intl concern, protect journalists, rights matter Reply Leave a Comment Cancel Reply Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Δ