Delhi Police Raid Journalists Linked to NewsClick under UAPA, Ignites Press Freedom Concerns

Delhi Police Raid Journalists Linked to NewsClick under UAPA, Ignites Press Freedom Concerns

Asif Iqbal | October 3, 2023 | 02:32 PM IST | Breaking News, Crime, Delhi | Follow on Google News

Delhi Police Raid Journalists Linked to NewsClick under UAPA, Ignites Press Freedom Concerns

Delhi Police Raids Linked to UAPA Case

Several journalists in Delhi associated with the website NewsClick found themselves targeted by the Delhi Police this morning in connection with a case under the stringent Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). According to sources, Delhi Police registered the case under the anti-terror law on August 17, days after a New York Times investigation alleged that the news portal had received funding from a network pushing Chinese propaganda.

Journalists’ Equipment Seized During Raids

In a disturbing turn of events, some of the journalists took to social media to report that their laptops and phones had been seized during the raids. Officers from the Special Cell of Delhi Police carried out searches at around two dozen locations in Delhi-NCR. Although no arrests have been made so far, sources indicate that some journalists have been taken to police stations for questioning.

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Political Responses and Backlash

Union Minister Anurag Thakur responded to media inquiries by stating, “I don’t need to justify… If anyone has committed anything wrong, search agencies are free to carry out investigations against them under set guidelines…” The raids on journalists have triggered a political backlash, with many labeling it as a crackdown on press freedom.

Press Club of India Voices Concern

The Press Club of India expressed its deep concern over the situation, using the The Press Club Of India stated, “We are monitoring the developments and will be releasing a detailed statement. The PCI stands in solidarity with the journalists and demands the government to come out with details.

Earlier, the Enforcement Directorate had registered a case against the news portal and investigated its funding. The central agency had also attached some assets linked to the news portal. The case, sources said, relates to alleged violations in foreign funding and its use, with the fresh FIR based on information shared by the Enforcement Directorate.

The ED had earlier alleged that the news portal received a sum of nearly ₹ 38 crore from entities linked to China, and how this amount was used is under the scanner. People who have received salaries or remunerations from NewsClick are being probed. Laptops and phones of journalists whose homes were searched today have been seized for further investigation.

Police sources said more information about the searches will be shared later. In August, a New York Times investigation had alleged that NewsClick is among organizations that were funded by a network linked to US millionaire Neville Roy Singham that pushes Chinese propaganda.

The news portal and its sources of funding came under the lens back in 2021 when the Economic Offences Wing of Delhi Police filed a case against it. The Enforcement Directorate case was based on this case. The Delhi High Court gave NewsClick promoters protection from arrest, and the matter is now in court.

The news portal’s offices were also searched by Income Tax officers in 2021 in an alleged tax evasion case. NewsClick’s editor Prabir Purkayastha had then hit out at the crackdown against the news portal. “These investigations by various agencies, and these selective allegations, are attempts to stifle the independent journalism of media organizations – including NewsClick. The Constitution of India under Article 19(1)(a) guarantees the right to freedom of speech and expression, a right central to our work,” he had said. Following the New York Times report in August, Mr. Purkayastha had told The Indian Express, “These are not new allegations. They have been made in the past. We will respond to them in the appropriate forum, i.e. the court, as the matter is sub judice.”

Asif Iqbal

Asif Iqbal is a seasoned news writer with a passion for delivering the latest updates to the public. Currently serving as the senior writer at VoM News, a prominent news outlet known for its comprehensive coverage of diverse topics, Asif has established himself as a reliable source of information. With a keen eye for detail and a knack for storytelling, he consistently provides readers with well-crafted articles that cover a wide range of news categories. His dedication to journalistic integrity and his commitment to staying ahead of the news curve make him an invaluable asset to Vom News, ensuring that readers are always well-informed on the issues that matter most. You can find his work and stay updated on current events by visiting vomnews.in.