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Journalism of Courage
The Mumbai Press Club on Saturday called for an apology by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for the “public humiliation” of a journalist by him at a press conference at his party office earlier that day.
According to the Club, when asked about his conviction in a defamation case and subsequent disqualification as a Member of Parliament, Gandhi lost his cool and lashed out at the reporter. “Why are you directly working for BJP? If you want to work for BJP, then wear a BJP badge. Don’t pretend to be a pressman… Kyun hawa nikal gayi?” he said.
“The job of a journalist is to ask questions and it is the duty of political leaders who call press conferences and engage with journalists to answer these questions with dignity and decorum. It is unfortunate that as the leader of one of the oldest political parties of the country, Mr Gandhi failed to respect the dignity of the Fourth Estate,” the Club said in a statement.
It further said, “At a broader level, it is a matter of concern that political parties of all hues have been attempting to browbeat journalists using derogatory language and threats as a response to news reporting they find unpalatable. We once again appeal to all political actors to uphold the freedom of the press to report and provide critical comments. They must remember the fundamental right to freedom of speech and expression is a cornerstone of our democracy.”
“In this context, it will be appropriate for Mr Rahul Gandhi to make amends and offer an apology to the journalist concerned,” the statement added.
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