THE National Alliance of Journalists, the Delhi Union of Journalists and the Kerala Union of Working Journalists (Delhi Unit), in a statement issued on October 13, have condemned the police raids at the houses of journalists and many others connected to Newsclick. Phones and laptops of these journalists were seized. Several of the media persons have been taken into custody. Reportedly, the raids are being conducted in connection with an FIR filed under the draconian UAPA and laws relating to criminal conspiracy and disruption of communal harmony.

The government has been targeting Newsclick apparently after the coverage this news portal gave to the issues of workers and farmers.

This is yet another attempt by the centre to muzzle the freedom of press. Such an action, raiding and intimidating almost all the employees in a media organisation, is unheard of.

These new raids are to divert public attention from burning livelihood issues of people. Unfortunately, journalists are being targeted for furthering the political agenda of the ruling party. We condemn this with the strongest possible words, the statement said and urged the centre to immediately stop this attack on press freedom. The statement called upon the media fraternity to protest against this witch-hunt by the government.