Journalists stage a protest at Dr B. R. Ambedkar Statue in Hyderabad on Monday (October 12), condemning attacks on women journalists in New Delhi and demanding safety, justice and freedom to report.
| Photo Credit: RAMAKRISHNA G
Condemning the alleged assault, harassment and detention of journalists covering demonstrations in New Delhi, women journalists and members of civil society staged a protest at Ambedkar Statue junction near Liberty Circle in Hyderabad on Monday (October 12) evening, raising concerns over police action against protesters and restrictions on fundamental constitutional rights.
The demonstration, organised under the banner of Women Journalists – Hyderabad, saw participants expressing solidarity with journalists, students and women who were allegedly subjected to police violence during protests concerning the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and demands for the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
The protesters alleged that women journalists covering demonstrations in Delhi had faced physical attacks, intimidation and sexual harassment despite identifying themselves as media personnel. They also condemned the alleged detention of journalists and restrictions imposed on those attempting to report from protest sites.
Independent journalist Uma Sudhir said the developments raised concerns extending beyond the immediate demands of the demonstrations, particularly over the protection of constitutional rights.
“What began as concerns over people’s voting rights has now raised serious questions about freedom of speech, expression and the right to peaceful protest. The manner in which the police have dealt with protesters, as seen in the visuals emerging from Delhi, is deeply disturbing,” she said.
She said the conduct of police personnel towards citizens exercising their democratic rights should concern people across the country, irrespective of whether they were directly involved in the protests.
“The police are meant to protect citizens, not prevent them from exercising their democratic rights. This is not just an issue for journalists but for every citizen. The right to question authorities and demand accountability is fundamental to a democracy,” she said, calling for citizens to speak out against such actions.
Among those who joined the demonstration was Hyderabad-based stand-up comedian Vivek Muralidharan, who said his participation was driven by concerns over the treatment of protesters rather than any particular political demand.
“The issue goes beyond the demand for Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation or the cause of the protests. The manner in which the Delhi Police have treated students, women and journalists is unacceptable and completely unwarranted,” he said.
“Regardless of where we live or what the protest is about, such actions must be condemned. That is why I have come here to express my solidarity,” he added.
In a statement, Women Journalists – Hyderabad also referred to alleged incidents of harassment involving three women journalists and said the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) had taken suo motu cognisance of the matter, seeking a report from the Delhi Police Commissioner within two weeks.
The protesters also cited directions reportedly issued by the Supreme Court concerning unlawful detentions and restrictions on journalists and other professionals during demonstrations.
They demanded the immediate and unconditional release of detained journalists, withdrawal of cases registered against media personnel and an independent investigation into allegations of police misconduct.
The gathering also called for action against personnel found responsible for assaults and harassment, besides measures to ensure that journalists could cover public demonstrations without intimidation or obstruction.
Published – October 12, 2026 08:30 pm IST
