Attacks on journalists are an attack on the voice of democracy- Seraj Ahmad Quraishi
The Indian Journalist Association strongly condemns the assault on two female journalists, Shaheen Khan of 4 PM News Network, and Nafisa Khan of freelance journalist.
New Delhi.
The alleged brutal assault by the Delhi Police on two female journalists, Shaheen Khan of 4 PM News Network, and Nafisa Khan of freelance journalist, is extremely unfortunate, worrying, and raises serious questions about the democratic system. The Indian Journalist Association strongly condemns this incident and demands an impartial investigation and strict action against the guilty police officers.
Seraj Ahmad Quraishi, National President and Founder of the Indian Journalist Association, expressed deep outrage over the incident and said that journalists are the mirror of society. Journalists question the authorities, convey the voice of the public to the government and administration, and work to expose the incidents happening in society. Intimidating, threatening, or assaulting journalists is not only a violation of individual rights, but also an attempt to weaken the fourth pillar of democracy. He said that journalism is not a crime. If a journalist, while discharging their duties, questions any system, authority, or institution, they should be answered within the legal and democratic norms, not through the use of force.
Mistreatment of female journalists is an even more serious matter.
Seraj Ahmad Quraishi said that two female journalists, Shaheen Khan (4 PM News Network) and Nafisa Khan are freelance journalist. Any complaint of mistreatment, indecency, or assault against any woman should be taken very seriously. The responsibility for the safety and respect of women lies not only with society but also with law enforcement agencies. He said, “If women journalists, who raise the voice of democracy, are not safe while on duty, how can the confidence in the safety of ordinary women be established?” Targeting or subjecting women journalists to violence because of their profession is unacceptable under any circumstances. An impartial investigation should be conducted into this matter, and if any police personnel are found to be involved, strict action should be taken against them in accordance with the law.
Journalist safety should not be limited to paper only.
The National President stated that attacks, threats, lawsuits, pressure, and harassment against journalists across the country are becoming a major challenge for journalism. Effective systems for journalist safety should not be limited to paperwork and announcements, but should have a visible impact on the ground. He stated that when a journalist takes to the streets for news, they do so not for themselves but for society. They expose corruption, crime, injustice, and exploitation. In such a situation, if violence is meted out to a journalist instead of providing him security, it is a very serious issue for democratic values.
There is no compromise on journalistic freedom.
Seraj Ahmad Quraishi stated that independent and fearless journalism is the soul of democracy. Journalists should have the right to do their work without fear or pressure. Regardless of who is in power, a journalist’s job is to ask questions, and the ethos of journalism is to convey the truth to the public. He emphasized that democracy should allow for dissent and questions. If a journalist’s news or questions are not acceptable, legal recourse can be used, but violence, threats, and police pressure cannot be the hallmarks of any democratic society.
Protecting human rights is everyone’s responsibility.
The National President stated that the Constitution guarantees every citizen the right to live with dignity and respect. A journalist is also a citizen first and foremost, and it is the responsibility of the state and society to protect their human rights. He said, “The uniform symbolizes law and authority, not fear and violence. The police are the protectors of the public, and journalists are the voice of the public. There should be dialogue between the two, not confrontation, but in accordance with the law and democratic norms.”
The Indian Journalist Association stands with journalists.
Seraj Ahmad Quraishi stated unequivocally that the Indian Journalist Association® will continue to raise its voice in a democratic and legal manner against injustice to journalists in any corner of the country. He said, “Shaheen Khan and Nafisa Khan are not alone. The country’s journalist community stands with them. If journalists are attacked, journalist organizations will speak out. Any attempt to suppress journalists will be opposed democratically. There will be no compromise on journalistic freedom and the dignity of journalists.”
He demanded that senior Delhi Police officials and the relevant administration conduct an impartial and transparent investigation into the entire incident, hold those responsible for the incident accountable, and provide justice and security to the victimized female journalists.
Finally, National President Seraj Ahmad Quraishi called on the country’s journalists not to bow to any pressure, to remain united in protecting each other’s rights and dignity, and to never let the torch of truth, the Constitution, democracy, and journalistic freedom be extinguished.
The pen can be intimidated, but the truth written in its ink cannot be suppressed forever. The voice of a journalist is the voice of the people, and the journalist community will stand united against any attempt to suppress the voice of the people.
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