Press bodies condemn attacks on journalists, including Times Now reporter Dev Kotak, covering CJP protests; seek safety, internet restoration

Leading journalist bodies - the Press Club of India (PCI) and the Indian Women's Press Corps (IWPC) - have strongly condemned the recent attacks on media personnel covering the ongoing CJP-led youth protests at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi, calling the incidents a serious threat to press freedom and the safety of journalists.

In a statement, the Indian Women's Press Corps (IWPC) condemned the assault on Times Now journalist Dev Kotak, who was attacked while reporting from the protest site. According to the IWPC, Kotak was heckled, beaten, had his phone snatched and his glasses went missing during the incident.

In a statement, the Press Club of India said multiple incidents of violence against journalists, who were covering the youth protests, have been reported, with attacks allegedly coming from both protesters gathered at the site and police and security personnel. It noted that some journalists were assaulted despite identifying themselves with valid press credentials.

Calling the assault "disturbing" and "condemnable", the IWPC said the “gravity of the issues, the sense of hurt and injustice amongst people and the lack of accountability by the system – makes it a fraught situation.”

“It is also a sad reality that there is a sense of disenchantment with the media today who are increasingly seen as arms of the government, rather than the voice of the people,” the journalist body noted.

“It is however unjustifiable that the ire of the people be taken out on a journalist who is ultimately doing his/her job. While categorically condemning this act, we believe this should lead media houses and channels to reflect on what is driving them. Journalism based on reporting without fear or favour or agenda-based journalism that amplifies narratives of those in power,” the IWPC further stated.

Highlighting the increasing presence of women journalists and independent reporters in the profession, the IWPC said many operate without the institutional support available to reporters from large media organisations.

It reaffirmed its commitment to the protection of all journalists and said safeguarding those gathering verified and factual information remains essential for a healthy democracy.

“The Indian Women’s Press Corps (IWPC) stands for the protection of all journalists whose role as gatherers of verified, factual, current information – remains indispensable in our democracy. At the same time, it recognises the varied degrees of vulnerability within the fraternity and stands resolutely with them,” it said.

Separately, the Press Club of India said the multiple incidents of violence against journalists have been reported, with attacks allegedly coming from both protesters gathered at the site and police and security personnel. It noted that some journalists were assaulted despite identifying themselves with valid press credentials.

The PCI said such incidents undermine press freedom and the ability of journalists to perform their duties in a safe environment. “This seriously undermines press freedom and journalists’ ability to do their jobs in a safe environment,” it said.

The press body also flagged the disruption of mobile internet services around the Jantar Mantar area, stating the shutdown, now continuing for the fourth consecutive day, “has made it extremely difficult for media professionals to stay in touch with colleagues, file updates and work efficiently.”

The PCI urged protesters, police and security personnel to ensure the safety of journalists covering the demonstrations and appealed to the government to restore mobile internet connectivity in the area.

“While journalists continue to document the ongoing movement, we urge the police and security personnel, and those gathered to ensure their safety. We also call upon the government to restore mobile internet services in the area at this crucial time,” it said.

Kotak was allegedly assaulted by a section of protesters while reporting from the demonstration site on Monday. According to his account, he was pushed, punched, kicked, slapped, and pelted with water bottles. His shirt and jeans were torn in the assault, while his phone was allegedly stolen. Kotak later described the incident as a "near-lynching", with videos of the attack showing him being surrounded and physically assaulted by a mob.

The attack came despite Kotak having covered the protest extensively over the past 20 days, during which he had interviewed CJP leaders and reported regularly from the site. While a few protesters formed a human chain to pull him to safety and help him escape, the incident has sparked a broader debate over the safety of journalists covering protests.