KOLKATA: The Bengal Working Journalists Association has strongly condemned the alleged attack on journalist Mahboob Raza while he was carrying out his professional reporting duties and called upon the police administration to conduct a fair, impartial and transparent investigation into the incident.
The Association demanded that appropriate legal action be taken against all those found responsible after a thorough investigation. It also urged the state administration and police to strengthen measures for the safety and security of journalists so that they can perform their professional responsibilities without fear, intimidation or pressure.
The Association said that disagreement with a journalist’s reporting or criticism of his or her work is a legitimate part of a democratic society. However, it stressed that resorting to violence against a journalist because of his reporting is completely unacceptable.
According to the Association, incidents of violence against journalists pose a serious threat to press freedom and freedom of expression and can create an atmosphere of fear among members of the media.
Mohammad Farooq, President of the Bengal Working Journalists Association and Editor of Qalam Times, strongly condemned the alleged incident. He said that attacking a journalist while he is performing his professional duties cannot be accepted.
Farooq called upon the police administration to thoroughly investigate the allegations made by Mahboob Raza, identify everyone allegedly involved and take appropriate legal action if the allegations are found to be substantiated.
He further emphasised that journalists must be provided with a safe and free environment in which to carry out their professional responsibilities. He said incidents of this nature should be dealt with seriously to prevent similar attacks in the future.
Nurullah Jawaidd, General Secretary of the Bengal Working Journalists Association, said that disagreement with journalistic reporting is a legitimate part of democratic discourse and that individuals who object to a report have the right to express their views through lawful and democratic means.
“Disagreement with journalism can be expressed through journalistic or legal means, but resorting to violence is unacceptable. An attack on a journalist is also an attack on freedom of expression and freedom of the press,” he said.
Nurullah Javed urged the police administration to conduct a comprehensive and impartial investigation into the incident and examine the allegations made by Mahboob Raza before taking action in accordance with law against anyone found to have been involved.
The Bengal Working Journalists Association also called upon the state administration and police authorities to take effective measures to ensure the safety and security of journalists. It said journalists should be able to carry out their professional duties without facing threats, intimidation or physical violence.
The Association reiterated that any attempt to silence, threaten, intimidate or physically attack journalists because of their reporting is unacceptable. It said it would continue to raise its voice in defence of journalists’ rights, freedom of the press and the democratic right to freedom of expression.
Courtesy: India Tomorrow
