Attack on Journalists is an Attack on Democracy: DUJ
THE Delhi Union of Journalists (DUJ), in a statement issued on August 25, expressed shock at the rough treatment given to a Lallantop reporter and cameraperson by Delhi police at Ramlila Maidan on August 24, 2025. They were covering a protest by students from around the country alleging irregularities in the selection process of the Staff Service Commission. The police not only stopped the journalists from reporting, they also confiscated their aadhaar cards, mobiles, camera and microphone and forced them into a police van. Such an incident is a direct attack on the right of the media to report freely.
Although the journalists showed their identity documents, the fact that their papers and equipment were confiscated and they were pushed out of the area suggests that the authorities are increasingly trying to criminalise journalism itself. In recent years, attacks on journalists, false cases, arrests, detentions and moves to prevent coverage are growing. In an election period, this is especially worrying. If the media is denied the freedom to objectively cover and comment on events, people are denied their right to factual information. It is the job of the media to question the government, not be afraid of the authorities.
The Delhi Union of Journalists demands that a proper enquiry be held into this incident and action be taken against the erring police personnel. We demand a clear policy on treatment of media persons and assurance of their safety in the field. The police should facilitate coverage of events, not prevent it.
We wish to remind both the central and state governments that the freedom of the press is not only for journalists but equally the right of citizens to access information. If journalists are forced to work in an atmosphere of fear and intimidation, democracy stands weakened.
