IWPC statement on raid at NewsClick.in

The Indian Women’s Press Corps is disturbed at increasing attempts on the part of the Government to shrink the space for free journalism and condemns the raid by the Enforcement Directorate at the offices of NewsClick and the houses of its owners, directors and editors.

The IWPC believes that in a country, in which freedom of speech and expression is guaranteed by the Constitution, the expression of views divergent from that of the establishment are an essential part of a vibrant democracy and cannot be muzzled.

Raids or charges of sedition cannot be used to shape and coerce the media and shut down those who differ. The Indian media is far too large and diverse to be intimidated by these messages of fear.

BSNL Employees’ Union condemns ED raids on NewsClick.in

Disturbing news has appeared in the media that, the office of Newsclick, as well as the residences of it’s Editor-in-chief and the Editor, are being raided by the Enforcement Directorate(ED). This is nothing but an attack on the freedom of press. BSNLEU strongly condemns this. As known to everyone, Newsclick is making extensive coverages on the issues of workers and other marginalised sections of the society.

It is consistently exposing the anti-BSNL policies of the Modi government and extending it’s support to the struggles being launched by the unions and associations, for safeguarding and strengthening BSNL.

The ongoing agitations of the peasants are also being highlighted by the Newsclick in a big way.

The government has already filed FIRs against many journalists, for supporting the farmers’ struggle and criticising the policies of the government. All these steps of the government remind us of the dark days of Emergency. BSNLEU strongly condemns them.