South Africa tour of India 2019
Jagan Slams Arrest of NTV Journalists, Calls It a Threat to Press Freedom
YSR Congress Party president and former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy has strongly condemned the arrest of NTV journalists, terming it a grave attack on press freedom and democratic values. In a sharp statement, Jagan accused the government of adopting an authoritarian approach and undermining constitutional principles through its handling of the situation.
Jagan alleged that the arrests were carried out in an alarming manner, with police allegedly entering journalists’ homes late at night during the festive season. He claimed that doors were broken and journalists were detained without prior notices or due legal process. According to him, such actions are unacceptable in a democracy and reflect a disturbing intolerance toward critical voices in the media.
Emphasizing that journalists are neither criminals nor terrorists, Jagan said subjecting them to intimidation and force sends a dangerous message to the media fraternity. He highlighted the psychological trauma inflicted not only on the journalists but also on their families, stating that such incidents create an atmosphere of fear that discourages free and fearless reporting.
The former Chief Minister warned that curbing media freedom threatens the very foundation of democracy. He urged the government to immediately release the arrested journalists and ensure that constitutional safeguards are upheld. Jagan also appealed to authorities to respect the rule of law and protect the independence of the press at all costs.
The incident has triggered widespread debate across political and media circles, with several journalists’ associations and civil rights groups expressing concern over shrinking space for independent journalism in the state. As discussions intensify, the episode has once again brought the issue of press freedom and state accountability into sharp focus.
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