Restrictions on accredited journalists inside the Parliament | Statement by DUJ, July 29, 2024

DELHI UNION OF JOURNALISTS
Flat no.29, New Central Market, Connaught Circus, New Delhi-110 001
Phone: 23413459, E-mail: duj.delhi[at]gmail.com
July 29, 2024

PRESS RELEASE

DUJ BLASTS PRESS GAG IN PARLIAMENT

The Delhi Union of Journalists is shocked at the government’s move to restrict the movement of accredited journalists inside the Parliament premises. This move denies them access to MPs. Journalists were today forced to hold a silent protest against these restrictions in the premises. This is unprecedented.

It must be noted that those who cover Parliament are senior, accredited journalists who have been vetted and given security clearance. Why should their movements be restricted and their access to MPs denied?

In recent years the number of passes issued to journalists wanting to cover Parliament has been sharply cut down. Several other moves have been made in recent years to deny media persons access to government offices and an unofficial ban imposed on government officials to stop them from speaking to journalists.

The Delhi Union of Journalists demands that the government observe greater transparency in its workings in the interest of upholding democracy and public good.

We call upon our members and all journalists to be ready for protests on this issue.

Sd/-
Sujata Madhok - President
S.K.Pande - Vice President
A.M.Jigeesh - General Secretary