The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), the global organisation representing over 500,000 journalists worldwide, today protested against the senseless shooting to death of a journalist in Muzaffarnagar in northern India.
"We are deeply saddened by the death of our colleague, a victim of a mindless act of violence, and mourn this needless loss, " said IFJ President, Christopher Warren.
According to information received by the IFJ, M Sagar, 28, a correspondent of the daily Shah Times was shot dead on the night of June 17 after he objected to celebratory gun-firing in Muzaffarnagar town in northern India.
Police say Sagar was working at his office late into the night, when a wedding party was being held downstairs. Some people were firing into the air in celebration, when Sagar asked them to stop. Irked by his objection, the accused -- Devesh Sharma and Raj Bihari -- opened fire on him, shooting him to death.
According to the police, Sharma is absconding, while Raj Bihari has been arrested. Devesh Sharma is brother of local Samajwadi Party leader, Rakesh Sharma.
"The guilty must be immediately brought to justice, and the administration cannot be allowed to shelter them, regardless of their political clout," said Warren.
For more information please contact Christopher Warren +61 (0) 411 757 668
The IFJ represents more than 500,000 journalists in more than 110 countries
