Journalists arrested for protesting TV network ban in Telangana, India

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and its affiliates the National Union of Journalists (India) and the All India Newspaper Employees Federation (AINEF) have strongly criticised the arrest of more than 40 women journalists in Hyderabad, Telangana, South India, on Tuesday, September 9. They also condemn the attacks on the journalists’ equipment, including damage to a vehicle.   The journalists were protesting in front of the Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao’s camp office at Punjagutta against the banning of two Telugu TV channels TV9 and ABN Andhra Jyothi, in Telangana state, when they were arrested. They were held several hours before being released. The Association of Telangana Multiple System Operators barred the two television channels on June 16, alleging them of airing anti-Telangana programs. Although the union minister of information and broadcasting, Prakash Javadekar, had issued directives to resume the telecast of the channels, this has not yet happened. Telangana Chief Minister Rao has criticised the channels for ‘tarnishing’ the image of Telangana people and is reported as saying:  “If the media crosses its limits, the government will not only ban but take other courses of action as well. If you cannot respect others and if you cannot become part of our Telangana culture, you have no place here.” He is also alleged to have said to protesters: “Be careful, we will see your end if you cross your limits.” The NUJ (I) said in a statement: “The police force has obstructed journalists’ movements and it is reported that one of the TV9 vans has been attacked by the police. It is also reported that the police cut the live cable to end the live telecast.”In the statement, President U Lakshman, and Secretary General, Prasanna Mohanty, said: “The NUJ (I) condemn the attack and arrest of the women journalists. The Telangana government should intervene into it and sort out the differences. “The NUJ(I) has demanded a judicial inquiry into the issue. The AINEF Vice President Ch.Purnachandra Rao said in a statement that "The the Governor of Andhra Pradesh should intervene with the issue and take action against K.Chandra Sekhara Rao, the Chief Minister of Telengana for his undemocratic comments and threats to journalists."  The AINEF criticised this heinous action and bad decisions to try and curb press freedom and that the unethical banning shows the Chief Minister's feudal attitude. IFJ Asia Pacific acting director, Jane Worthington, said the arbitrary ban and remarks by the chief minister were concerning. The IFJ has called on the Telangana government to follow democratic legal procedures surrounding the complaints against the networks. 

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