Hyderabad: The Telangana Union of Working Journalists (TUWJ) strongly condemned journalist arrests after its leaders were taken into custody while attempting to submit a peaceful memorandum against cuts in journalist accreditations.
In a statement, the union said its leaders had gone to submit a representation in a lawful and non-violent manner. It asserted that submitting a memorandum to authorities was not a criminal act but a civic responsibility in a democratic system. TUWJ said the arrests raised serious concerns about the treatment of journalists who sought to raise professional issues through peaceful means.
The union further stated that questioning government decisions was not unlawful. Instead, it said such questioning remained a fundamental right guaranteed under the Constitution. TUWJ warned that using police action to deter dissent undermined democratic values and weakened public trust in institutions.
Journalist arrests raise concerns over press freedom
Addressing the broader implications, TUWJ said the journalist arrests were not merely an action against individuals. It described them as an attempt to intimidate the media and discourage journalists from raising legitimate concerns. The union said efforts to place restrictions on journalists directly affected the public’s right to information.
TUWJ noted that journalists played a key role in amplifying public issues and ensuring accountability. It argued that curbing their ability to question authority amounted to suppressing the voice of the people. The union said such actions risked creating an atmosphere of fear, which was detrimental to free and fair journalism.
The statement said press freedom formed the backbone of any democratic society. TUWJ cautioned that weakening this freedom could have long-term consequences for democratic governance. It urged authorities to respect constitutional safeguards and allow journalists to perform their duties without intimidation.
The union reiterated its demand for the immediate release of those detained. It also appealed to the government to engage in dialogue rather than resorting to arrests. TUWJ said constructive engagement remained the best way to resolve issues related to journalist accreditation and professional rights.
