Ten human rights organisations on the World Press Freedom Day expressed concern that the Indian authorities are increasingly targeting journalists and online critics for their criticism of government policies and practices, including by prosecuting them under counterterrorism and sedition laws.
They urged the Indian authorities to respect the right to freedom of expression and release any journalists detained on trumped-up or politically motivated charges for their critical reporting and stop targeting journalists and muzzling independent media.
The authorities’ targeting of journalists, coupled with a broader crackdown on dissent, has emboldened Hindu nationalists to threaten, harass, and abuse journalists critical of the Indian government, both online and offline, with impunity, they said.
The organizations are Committee to Protect Journalists, Freedom House, PEN America, Reporters Without Borders, International Federation of Journalists, CIVICUS, Access Now, International Commission of Jurists, Amnesty International, and Human Rights Watch.
According to them, amid growing restrictions on media freedom, Indian authorities have arrested journalists on spurious terrorism and sedition charges and have routinely targeted critics and independentnews organisations, including raiding their workplaces.
Journalists and online critics also risk prosecution under the Information Technology Act and IT Rules of 2021 for content critical of the authorities. Indian authorities have been implicated in using the Israeli-produced spyware Pegasus to target journalist. In addition, the authorities’ frequent internet shutdowns hamper the ability of journalists to do their work, including accessing and disseminating information online, they added.
They deplored that the government is increasingly using technology to curtail human rights and stifle freedom of expression online. They pointed out that the Pegasus Project found that over 40 Indian journalists appeared on a leaked list of potential targets for surveillance.
The Indian government has repeatedly stalled attempts to investigate these allegations. This perpetuates an environment of surveillance impunity that results in a chilling effect on free speech and media freedoms, the groups said.
The groups urged the Indian government to protect the right to freedom of expression, including by immediately releasing journalists who are arrested for their critical reporting, ending broad and indiscriminate internet shutdowns, withdrawing the media policy in Jammu and Kashmir, and repealing the Information Technology Rules.
“The authorities should also conduct prompt, thorough, independent, and impartial investigations into allegations of threats and attacks targeting journalists and critics, including from government officials,” the groups said. “Journalists should not have to risk their freedom and their lives to do their work.”
