Action against NewsClick is ‘chilling attempt to silence brave voices’, say eminent citizens

NT Correspondent

New Delhi: A group of prominent citizens voiced their concerns on Thursday, describing the actions taken against NewsClick as a "chilling attempt to stifle their courageous voices."

This statement comes two days after the Delhi Police conducted raids on several journalists associated with the digital news organization and subsequently sealed NewsClick's office.

These actions were prompted by allegations that the news outlet had received funds to promote Chinese propaganda. Under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act, the police have arrested NewsClick's editor-inchief, Prabir Purkayastha, and its head of human resources, Amit Chakravarty.

In their joint statement, signed by activists V Geetha and Aruna Roy, authors Geetanjali Shree, KR Meera, and Perumal Murugan, historian Ramachandra Guha, journalist P Sainath, and musician TM Krishna, they expressed their concern that the government is attempting to discredit journalists who have consistently and fearlessly spoken truth to power.

The statement added, “Criticism is essential for a democracy and any attempt to mute voices is an assault on India’s democratic spirit.”

The statement said that seizing the electronic devices of the journalists violates their privacy. They noted there have been reports about manufactured evidence being planted on the confiscated devices of activists.

Delhi cops oppose but Prabir gets FIR

The Patiala House court on Thursday granted NewsClick founder and editor Prabir Purkayastha’s plea to be provided a copy of the FIR under which he has been arrested. Earlier in the day, the Delhi Police opposed Purkayastha’s plea.