Govt which restricts press freedom a danger to democracy: Congress on Kerala's ruling LDF action against media

Thiruvananthapuram: The opposition Congress in Kerala on Thursday attacked the ruling CPI(M) over its recent action against an online channel and reporters of two Malayalam TV channels, saying that a government which intervenes with or restricts press freedom is an "insult" and a "danger" to democracy.

Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) president K Sudhakaran said that the ruling Left in the state holds "grudges" against those media houses or reporters who criticise them and "takes revenge" when they get an opportunity.

"That is the low standard politics of the CPI(M) in Kerala. Such a stand is reprehensible," the KPCC chief said and announced that a 'Media Freedom Meet' would be organised by it and as part of that police station marches would be held on July 26. Referring to the recent police action against a Thiruvananthapurambased online news channel -- 'Marunadan Malayali' -- and its employees, Sudhakaran said that the force acted like "attackers" in the matter.

"They can take action, but they cannot act as attackers. They need to show some decency or professionalism and follow the due procedure or system that is in place when taking action against the media," he said.

He further said, "A government which restricts media freedom is a danger to democracy. Such a government is an insult to the democratic system." (PTI)