Hyderabad journalists condemn police crackdown on demonstrators in Delhi

Journalists and civil society members assembled at the Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Statue junction near Liberty Circle in Hyderabad on Monday evening to condemn the alleged assault, harassment, and detention of media personnel covering public demonstrations in New Delhi.

The demonstration, organized under the banner of Women Journalists – Hyderabad, brought together media professionals and citizens to raise concerns over restrictions on fundamental constitutional rights and police action directed at protesters and reporters.

Participants expressed solidarity with journalists, students, and women who faced police high-handedness during recent demonstrations in the national capital. The protests in Delhi centered around opposition to the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls and demands for the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.

Addressing the gathering, speakers highlighted that the National Human Rights Commission has taken suo motu cognisance of harassment allegations involving three women journalists. The rights body has sought a detailed report from the Delhi Police Commissioner within two weeks.

The protesters also drew attention to judicial observations concerning unlawful detentions and restrictions faced by media practitioners during public events. They pressed for the immediate and unconditional release of all detained journalists and the withdrawal of cases registered against media personnel.

Beyond media freedoms, the demonstration featured calls for an independent inquiry into allegations of police misconduct. Participants urged authorities to hold accountable any personnel found responsible for physical assaults and intimidation during the coverage of public grievances.

Among those who joined the sit-in was Bengaluru-based stand-up comedian Vivek Muralidharan, alongside local civil rights activists. Speakers emphasized that the right to question state authorities and express dissent peacefully remains central to democratic governance, irrespective of the specific political issues at stake.