| 27 June 2023
The White House expressed its strong disapproval on Monday regarding the online harassment of journalist Sabrina Siddiqui, who had posed a question to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his recent state visit to the United States. Labeling such actions as "completely unacceptable" and "antithetical to the very principles of democracy," the White House emphasized its commitment to protecting the freedom of the press.
During a joint press statement with US President Joe Biden, Siddiqui, a reporter from the Wall Street Journal, had questioned PM Modi about the Indian government's efforts to improve the rights of Muslims and other minority groups in the country. In response, the Indian Prime Minister highlighted the significance of democracy in India, stating, "Democracy runs in our veins," and firmly denying any room for discrimination based on caste, creed, or religion.
In a press briefing held on Monday, journalist Kelly O'Donnell shed light on the intense online harassment Siddiqui faced, noting that some of the perpetrators were individuals involved in politics within India. Seeking a reaction from the White House, O'Donnell drew attention to the journalist's ordeal. In response, John Kirby, Coordinator for Strategic Communications at the National Security Council, condemned the harassment, stating, "We're aware of the reports of that harassment. It's unacceptable. And we absolutely condemn any harassment of journalists anywhere under any circumstances... And it's antithetical to the very principles of democracy that - that - you're right - were on display last week during the state visit."
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during a press conference in the US on Friday, reaffirmed India's commitment to non-discrimination when questioned about the government's measures to enhance the rights of Muslims and other minorities. He stated, "We are a democracy... India and America both have democracy in our DNA. Democracy is in our spirit, and we live it, and it's written in our Constitution. There is absolutely no space for discrimination on the grounds of caste, creed, or religion."
Following his visit to the US and Egypt, Prime Minister Narendra Modi returned to India on Sunday night. The state visit aimed to strengthen ties between India and the United States, with discussions covering a wide range of topics, including trade, defense, and climate change.
The incident involving Sabrina Siddiqui highlights the importance of press freedom and the challenges faced by journalists worldwide. In an era heavily influenced by social media, online harassment of journalists has become an unfortunate reality. Such acts not only undermine the principles of democracy but also restrict the essential role of the media in holding governments accountable and ensuring the public's right to information.
As societies strive for progress and inclusivity, it is crucial to protect journalists' rights and provide them with a safe environment to perform their duties. Governments around the world must actively condemn and address instances of online harassment and work towards fostering an atmosphere where journalists can work without fear of intimidation or reprisal.
In the wake of this incident, the White House's strong condemnation sends a message that harassment of journalists will not be tolerated. It serves as a reminder of the critical role the media plays in upholding democracy and the responsibility governments bear in safeguarding press freedom.
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