- Journalists in India face increasing danger and targeted attacks.
- 76% of journalists killed in 2015 were victims of politically motivated killings.
- In 2024, journalist deaths and attacks have surged, with significant figures affected.
- Reports show the targeted violence against female journalists, with 30 women journalists targeted in 2023.
- Calls for the government to provide security and necessary protections to journalists.
Journalists in India are working in increasingly dangerous environments, facing violence and threats. In 2024, attacks on journalists have sharply risen, with several losing their lives while performing their duties. Reports highlight political involvement in these killings and the vulnerability of female journalists. Advocacy groups urge the government to recognize the risks faced by journalists and provide necessary protections.
Journalists in India are experiencing a rise in targeted attacks and violence, particularly since 2024. According to the “India Freedom of Expression Initiative” annual report, 76% of journalists killed in 2015 were victims of political revenge. Political parties and criminal groups are found to be responsible for a significant proportion of these killings. In 2023, five journalists were murdered, and 226 others were targeted by government institutions, anti-social elements, and criminals.
The report also sheds light on the alarming rise in attacks on female journalists, with 30 women targeted across India in 2023. The majority of these incidents occurred in Delhi, Kerala, Manipur, and West Bengal. In total, numerous cases of physical assaults, arrests, and house attacks were reported.
These incidents underscore the dangerous reality faced by journalists, especially those covering sensitive issues such as corruption, crime, and human rights violations. The threat to the press is growing, and media professionals are increasingly under attack from political and criminal factions. The report stresses the urgent need for the government to protect journalists and ensure their safety, as the press remains a pillar of democracy in India.
Additionally, the situation in Telangana with respect to housing and rights for journalists has drawn attention. The case of the Jawaharlal Nehru Journalists’ Mutual Aid Housing Society (2006-2008) illustrates the need for government intervention to ensure fair access to housing and support for journalists.
Justice Khanna’s remarks regarding the role of media in upholding democracy stand in stark contrast to the current environment, where journalists are continuously under threat. The call for the government to offer protections, including housing provisions for journalists, has never been more urgent. The media must be supported to carry out its essential democratic role without fear of retaliation.
