At least 30 journalists were temporarily detained in New Delhi between October 10 and October 11 while covering demonstrations against city chief election commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The protests were organized by students and India’s Cockroach Janta Party to protest alleged election manipulation.
Reporting from the ground, journalists from outlets including the Hindustan Times and Reuters found themselves targeted. Despite identifying themselves as accredited members of the press, several reporters experienced physical assault, harassment, and obstruction while trying to cover the unfolding political demonstrations.
International Condemnation and Union Demands
The National Union of Journalists joined the International Federation of Journalists and the National Union of Journalists India in strongly condemning the state response. Press freedom advocates denounced the arbitrary detentions and demanded the immediate release of any reporters still held by authorities.
The National Union of Journalists India @nujindia affiliated to @IFJGlobal strongly condemns the detention of journalists covering recent youth-led and other political protests in New Delhi and across India. According to NUJI President @RakeshKhelToday "journalists must be…”
The International Federation of Journalists stated that both state and national authorities must respect Supreme Court directions and uphold their obligations to protect democracy. The organization called for a full investigation into the allegations of police violence and harassment directed at media workers.
“Journalists must be allowed to perform their professional duties freely, independently, and without fear or intimidation,” the National Union of Journalists India said, urging police authorities to respect press freedom and refrain from unnecessarily stopping, harassing, or detaining journalists.
Internet Blackouts and Regional Solidarity Actions
Authorities also restricted information flow during the demonstrations by suspending internet services and removing social media posts to allegedly “limit the spread of misinformation”. Meanwhile, the crackdown extended beyond New Delhi as solidarity protests emerged in other parts of the country.
Two additional journalists were taken into police custody while covering solidarity demonstrations in Ahmedabad and Pune. While many of those arrested have since been released, some remain in detention.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why were the protests in New Delhi organized?
Students and members of India’s Cockroach Janta Party organized the demonstrations between October 10 and October 11 to protest alleged election manipulation involving city chief election commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
Which major news organizations had reporters detained?
Among the at least 30 media workers temporarily detained by police were reporters from the Hindustan Times and Reuters.
What actions are press unions demanding from authorities?
The National Union of Journalists, the International Federation of Journalists, and the National Union of Journalists India are demanding the immediate release of all journalists still in detention, alongside a full investigation into police violence and harassment.
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