The Indian Journalist Association has announced a protest against the alleged mistreatment of three female journalists in Delhi.

Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh.

The Indian Journalist Association® has taken a strong stance against the alleged mistreatment, indecency, and sexual harassment of three female journalists by Delhi police personnel in the Jantar Mantar and Parliament Street police station areas of Delhi. Describing the matter as a serious issue concerning the dignity of journalists, women's safety, freedom of the press, and democratic rights, the organization submitted a five-point memorandum addressed to the President to senior administrative officer Atul Srivastava in the absence of the District Magistrate, Gorakhpur, demanding a high-level and impartial investigation.
The memorandum prominently demands a fair investigation of the allegations, a lawful FIR, the safety of female journalists, a transparent media-police protocol during police action, and the early implementation of a national journalist protection law. A copy of the memorandum has also been sent via email to the Honorable Home Minister, the Honorable Secretary, the Home Ministry, and the Chairman, Press Council of India, demanding action.
National President of the Indian Journalist Association, Seraj Ahmad Quraishi, stated that journalists are the guardians of democracy, and any alleged mistreatment of them is a matter of serious concern for the democratic system. He said, "Journalists are not opponents of any government or police system, but are important pillars that strengthen democracy. If allegations of misconduct or harassment against a female journalist while on duty are made, it is crucial that an impartial investigation be conducted and that the victim receives justice. The investigation must be impartial, and if the allegations are found to be true, strict action should be taken against the guilty, regardless of their position, in accordance with the law."
Quraishi stated that suppressing journalists' voices or keeping complaints pending creates a sense of insecurity within the journalistic community. He said, "The Indian Journalist Association has been and will continue to fight for the dignity, safety, self-respect, and rights of journalists. There will be no compromise on journalist safety." He demanded that the President conduct a high-level investigation to ensure impartiality, and if necessary, establish an inquiry committee headed by an independent female judicial officer or retired judge. Additionally, victimized women journalists should be protected from any form of pressure or harassment.
The National President stated that there is a need to develop effective mechanisms for the safety of journalists, especially women journalists, across the country. He urged the government to establish a National Journalist Security Mechanism and ensure prompt redressal of complaints of attacks, threats, harassment, and police misconduct against journalists. He stated unequivocally, "This fight is not against any individual, but for the dignity and rights of journalists. Whoever is guilty, no one should be above the law, and the innocent should not be harassed under any circumstances. A fair investigation is the foundation of justice."
In the memorandum, the Indian Journalist Association also demanded that a clear media-police code of conduct be implemented for police behavior with journalists during protests, demonstrations, and news coverage, and that the presence of women police officers be ensured in any necessary police action against women journalists.
The Indian Journalist Association stated that if the required action is not taken in this matter concerning the safety and dignity of journalists, the organization will be compelled to pursue the movement in a democratic and constitutional manner.
Present on the occasion were National General Secretary Mohammad Irfanullah Khan, Divisional Secretary Satish Chandra, District Spokesperson Mohammad Azam Khan, Ashutosh Kumar, Ajmer Khan, Awadhesh Kumar Srivastava, Lalit Kumar Singh, Shravan Kumar Gupta, Meraj Ahmed, Dr. Ved Prakash Nishad, Amarjeet Sahni, Anshul Verma and other journalists.