Ensure conducive environment for journalism during hard times: Supriya Prasad, BEA
Prasad, the President of Broadcast Editor's Association, has condemned the arrest of journalist Rahul Kulkarni, saying that it demoralises the media
The Broadcast Editors' Association (BEA) has denounced the arrest of ABP Majha journalist Rahul Kulkarni in connection with the migrant labourer’s gathering at Bandra on April 14. Thousands of workers defied the national lockdown and had gathered at the station in a bid to leave the city for their native place. Kulkarni was arrested for allegedly spreading fake news about special trains through the news channel.
Supriya Prasad, the president of BEA, has expressed his displeasure at the scribe’s arrest as it is considered a serious infringement on the right of freedom of speech and an attack on the freedom of press. He has also urged the authorities to drop all the changes imposed on Kulkarni.
He states: “At the time when Journalists are playing a vital role during this global crisis, the arrest of Rahul Kulkarni is highly condemnable as it amounts to discouraging the media from keeping the public informed about the pandemic and about the government's response and plans to deal with it at different levels.”
He emphasised that the authorities across the country while tackling the COVID-19 situation, should ensure that the media's right to report freely and fearlessly is not compromised at any stage. “Like other frontline crews, such as doctors, police and paramedics, journalists are also performing their professional duties under intense pressure. It's the responsibility of the state to ensure a conducive environment for journalism during these hard times,” he said.
