Journalists allege assualt at SMHS Hospital; Write to PCI
Srinagar, Jul 24: A group of journalists who were allegedly harassed and “pushed around” by the protestors amidst charged scenes at SMHS Hospital on Wednesday have filed a formal complaint with the Press Council of India (PCI). The complaint that details how the journalists have been victimized with manhandling, and verbal assault by protesting doctors has also been sent to Editors Guild of India (EGI) and the Network of Women in Media India (NWMI).
One of the journalists who were covering the incident and was assaulted was a female and alleged that she was humiliated and intimidated in full public view. The incident occurred while the journalists were covering a protest that followed the alleged assault of a resident doctor, by a patient’s attendant in the hospital’s emergency ward a night before. The complaint, representing journalists from many news outlets, describes a “hostile environment for media personnel”. Journalists, including a female reporter, were physically pushed, verbally humiliated and intimidated despite identifying themselves as journalists. The female journalist said that the attack appeared “gendered” stating it was a “direct affront to my dignity and safety”. The male colleagues have also reported physical harassment.
“The atmosphere was charged, and mob-like behavior was on full display, which endangered both medical professionals and the ethics expected of those in the medical profession,” reads the complaint. “The press cannot function under fear and intimidation. I urge the Council to treat this matter with the seriousness it demands and help ensure that no journalist, male or female, faces such misconduct while performing their duty,” the complaint letter read.
The journalists have called upon PCI, EGI and NWMI to act and take immediate cognizance of the incident and demanded an independent inquiry. They have also sought disciplinary action against the doctors whose videos are widely available over social media. In addition, a broader framework for protections of journalists during high-tension coverage has also been called for.
Public sentiment on platforms is on two opposite tangents.. Some users have criticized the media, alleging |biased reporting". Others have shared footage that depicts the assault on journalists, condemning the doctors’ actions. Many have expressed opinions calling doctors’ behavior “equally condemnable” as the initial assault on the doctor-on-duty, questioning their ethics.
