SAMC condemns Indian harassment of journalist
LAHORE: The South Asia Media Commission (SAMC) has condemned the harassment of well-known Indian journalist Iftikhar Gilani, reportedly by intelligence agents disguised as officials of the income tax department. The SAMC also demanded that the Indian government conduct a fair investigation into the harassment.
According to a press release issued on Wednesday, the SAMC condemned the Indian government’s actions, which it said had been underway since 2002. It said that Gilani, who is the New Delhi bureau chief for the Kashmir Times and a correspondent for German broadcaster Deutche Welle, Daily Times and The Friday Times, was being targeted unfairly.
The regional body for monitoring of media rights violations said that it was “deeply concerned” about Gilani’s harassment by the tax department through fake or frivolous cases, and notices, and demanded that it end immediately. N Ram, chairman SAMC, and commission Secretary General Najam Sethi urged the Indian government to ensure a fair investigation into the harassment, adding that the authorities should not treat Gilani poorly.
Husain Naqi, SAMC regional co-ordinator, said that the rights of journalists to go about their work — free from harassment, interference or harm — should be recognised and respected by all.
Source: Daily Times
Date:3/27/2008
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