TRUTH BEHIND BARS

Siddhi Patil and Ada Khan

Bengaluru

Members of various organizations and citizens took out a protest rally condemning the recent attack on press freedom and journalists, at Freedom Park in the heart of the city. It was organized by members of the All-India Students Association, All-India Lawyers Association for Justice, DIGIPUB, People's Union for Civil Liberties, and Network of Women Media, India. Civil rights activists Vinay Srinivasa (BAHUTVA), Arvind Narrain, C.G Manjula, and retired Judge N.D Venkatesh were among the many who gathered at the park.

This protest was held in response to the recent arrests of the founder of online news portal Newsclick Prabir Purkayastha and their HR head Amit Chakravarty. The protestors were seen holding many placards and demanded justice for journalists. They criticized the Central Government for not ensuring the safety of journalists and the flayed Delhi Police for not submitting a copy of the FIR that was lodged against the Newsclick staff.

Student journalists conducted interviews with the concerned citizens, who condemned the unjust actions taken against the journalists. Senior journalist Maya Sharma spoke to NSoJ Tannoy, "This protest is about letting people know what is happening right now, which seems to be pure intimidation of journalists, this cannot go on and this should not go on, journalists are an important voice in this country and should not be penalized for doing their job". Other participants at the protest emphasized the need for the Government to make greater efforts to make India a journalist-friendly country and must support the dissemination of truth instead of suppressing it.

They also reiterated that the media is a central organ that cannot be silenced and crucial reports published by journalists that require immediate attention are being pushed under the carpet. This protest was part of a national movement by media organizations and journalist bodies to raise their concerns about the increasing suppression of journalists.

Nationwide, citizens feel that speaking the truth in this country sometimes comes at a price, and this is considered to be ironic as this society, especially the youth demands the absolute truth. Meanwhile, a Delhi Court allowed the plea by Mr. Purkayastha and Mr. Chakravarty sought a copy of the FIR registered against them for offenses under the UAPA.