The Press Club of India has condemned a First Information Report (FIR) registered by the West Bengal Police against Maktoob Media, stating that it is an attack on press freedom.
On Saturday, the Press Club of India issued a statement expressing its disapproval of the West Bengal Police's action in registering an FIR against Maktoob Media over a report alleging discrimination against Muslim administrative and police officers during Union Home Minister Amit Shah's visits to the state. The press body urged the police to withdraw the FIR, emphasizing the need for journalists to be able to perform their duties without fear.
According to the Press Club of India, the FIR registered on September 19 is an attack on press freedom and part of a pattern aimed at suppressing independent journalism in the country. The police action was initiated following social media posts by Maktoob Media that were based on allegations raised by Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra regarding discrimination against Muslim Indian Police Service and Indian Administrative Service officers.
The FIR, filed by a complainant identified as Saurav Banerjee, stated that the social media posts contained 'objectionable graphical content' and remarks capable of promoting enmity and disturbing public tranquillity. However, no reporters or editors from Maktoob Media were named in the FIR. Instead, 'Unknown1' was listed as the accused person.
Maktoob Media learned about the FIR after receiving communication from a social media platform on Thursday, stating that the police had sought details about the account creation, login, and device details for the handle @MaktoobMedia.
Source:
Scroll.in
