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Raids on Indian Journalists and Media Outlets Signal Growing Concerns Over Press Freedom

by Ethan Kim
5 comments
Press Freedom in India

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.

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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

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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

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