Al Jazeera Journalism Review

Donald Lu
Donald Lu, a former US ambassador seen here in Tirana, Albania in 2016, has praised India for having a 'free press', But many journalists in India would strongly disagree, pointing to the fact that at least 10 are currently in prison [Hektor Pustina/AP]

Donald Lu is dangerously wrong - India does not have a ‘free press’

The US must stop whitewashing Prime Minister Modi’s crackdown on Indian journalists

 

There is nothing to praise about the state of press freedoms in India, though America’s Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs, Donald Lu, a former US ambassador, recently proclaimed otherwise. 

Speaking to the Press Trust of India in April, Lu praised Indian journalists for the work they do to support Indian democracy, adding: “I have such respect for the freedom of the press in India. You have India as a democracy in part because you have a free press that really works.”

At the time of his speaking, the BBC was facing ongoing harassment in India - including censorship, office raids by tax department officials and a summons in a defamation case after releasing a documentary critical of Prime Minister Narendra Modi that was banned almost immediately in the country. 

Earlier this year, the government created a “fact-checking unit” dedicated to policing social media platforms and internet providers, giving itself the absolute power to take down any posts about “any business of the central government” deemed to be “false or misleading”. At least 10 Indian journalists are languishing in jail - several of them under false terrorism charges. One journalist, Devendra Khare, was recently shot by masked men after reporting on an assault committed by the brother of a member of Modi’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

“Free” is the last word that should be used to describe the press in India. In fact, just weeks after Lu’s comments, the media watchdog group, Reporters Without Borders (RSF), reported that India’s rank on its press freedom index had dropped from 150 in 2022 to 161 in 2023. It was a staggering 11-point plunge, placing India lower on the index than Taliban-controlled Afghanistan - and the blame for that falls squarely on India’s government.

Since coming to power in 2014, Modi and the BJP have undermined all aspects of Indian democracy in their attempt to turn India into a Hindu majoritarian state, where religious minorities - particularly Muslims and Christians - are reduced to second-class citizens. But while the BJP is targeting minority rights through legislation, it’s their authoritarian control over the media that normalises and even glorifies the skyrocketing mob violence and bigotry against Muslims. 

Modi’s billionaire friend Mukesh Ambani owns more than 70 media outlets, while another friend, Gautam Adani, recently took over India’s last major independent TV broadcaster, NDTV. 

As a result, mainstream Indian media has become a bullhorn for pro-Modi propaganda, conspiracy theories and hate speech. When COVID-19 first broke out, the media was not only directed to whitewash the government’s botched handling of the pandemic, but also fueled anti-Muslim hatred by claiming “Corona jihad” was responsible for the spread of the virus. When young Muslim women - many of them minors - protested Karnataka state’s ban on wearing hijabs in schools last year, the rightwing channel Network 18 ran coverage referring to the protesters as an “al Qaeda gang”. 

If Biden and Assistant Secretary Lu truly want to see a 'free press' in India, they should use Modi’s state visit as an opportunity to convey concerns about assaults on press freedom

 

When four Muslim men were tied to a pole and publicly flogged by police in Gujarat state, Network18 senior editor and anchor Aman Chopra spent six minutes of airtime excitedly asking his crew to show a clip of the incident with “good angles and audio”. 

When Israel was bombing Gaza in 2021, Sudarshan News accompanied the story with a doctored image of the Muslim holy city Medina being bombed. Hate speech has become so normalised that the Editors Guild of India compared mainstream Indian media channels to Radio Rwanda, infamously known for broadcasting vitriolic propaganda and hate speech that played a key role in inciting the 1994 Rwandan genocide.

Though there are journalists and news portals who continue to push back against this sort of narrative, the cost can be steep. India’s draconian anti-terror law, the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA), is frequently weaponised against journalists who attempt to report on anti-minority violence and discrimination, charging them as terrorists and making it nearly impossible for them to get bail. 

Muslim journalist Siddique Kappan spent over two years in prison under false terrorism charges for trying to report on the brutal gang-rape of a Dalit teen. In Kashmir, journalists face internet blackouts, raids, harassment from security forces and the threat of indefinite imprisonment.

Even when journalists aren’t facing terrorism charges, it’s the norm to be flooded with online harassment from Modi supporters. Last year, Muslim journalist and Washington Post columnist Rana Ayyub reported that she had received more than 26,000 rape and death threats over social media for criticising Modi. Mohammad Zubair, co-founder of the news site AltNews and well-known for debunking rightwing propaganda, was arrested after a Hindu far-right Twitter account with a single follower accused him of offending Hindus by tweeting an old Bollywood clip. As RSF puts it, Modi’s India is “one of the world’s most dangerous countries” for upright journalists.

All things considered, it’s telling that Donald Lu chose to praise the “freedom” of India’s press just weeks before the White House officially announced that President Biden would be hosting Modi for a state dinner during his official visit to the United States on June 22. In doing so, Lu has validated those who are seeking to dismantle democracy and the institution of the press in India, affirming Indian far-right propaganda and completely whitewashing Modi’s authoritarian crackdown on journalists and critics as a whole. 

If President Biden and Assistant Secretary Lu truly want to see a “free press” in India, then they should use Modi’s state visit as an opportunity to convey concerns about assaults on press freedom, push for the release of all the incarcerated journalists and emphasise the importance of a robust and unrestricted press in a democracy.

Safa Ahmed is an independent Indian-American journalist based in Raleigh, North Carolina

 

The views expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect Al Jazeera Journalism Review’s editorial stance

 

More Articles

Independent Syrian Journalism: From Revolution to Assad's Fall

Independent Syrian journalism played a pivotal role in exposing regime corruption and documenting war crimes during the 13-year revolution, despite immense risks to journalists, including imprisonment, assassination, and exile. Operating from abroad, these journalists pioneered investigative and open-source reporting, preserving evidence, and shaping narratives that challenged the Assad regime's propaganda.

Ahmad Haj Hamdo
Ahmad Haj Hamdo Published on: 17 Dec, 2024
Bolivia’s Mines and Radio: A Voice of the Global South Against Hegemony

Miners' radio stations in the heart of Bolivia's mining communities, played a crucial role in shaping communication within mining communities, contributing to social and political movements. These stations intersected with anarchist theatre, educational initiatives, and alternative media, addressing labour rights, minority groups, and imperialism.

Khaldoun Shami PhD
Khaldoun H. Shami Published on: 16 Dec, 2024
How Does Misinformation Undermine Public Trust in Journalism?

Reports reveal a growing loss of trust in the media, driven by the extent of misinformation that undermines professional journalism's ability to influence public discourse. The platforms of misinformation, now supported by states and private entities during conflicts and wars, threaten to strip the profession of its core roles of accountability and oversight.

Muhammad Khamaiseh 1
Muhammad Khamaiseh Published on: 13 Nov, 2024
Challenging the Narrative: Jeremy Scahill on the Need for Adversarial Journalism

Investigative journalist Jeremy Scahill calls for a revival of "adversarial journalism" to reinstate crucial professional and humanitarian values in mainstream Western media, especially regarding the coverage of the Gaza genocide.

Mohammad Zeidan
Mohammad Zeidan Published on: 10 Nov, 2024
Freedom of the Press in Jordan and Unconstitutional Interpretations

Since the approval of the Cybercrime Law in Jordan, freedom of opinion and expression has entered a troubling phase marked by the arrest of journalists and restrictions on media. Musab Shawabkeh offers a constitutional reading based on interpretations and rulings that uphold freedom of expression in a context where the country needs diverse opinions in the face of the Israeli ultra right wing politics.

Musab Shawabkeh
Musab Al Shawabkeh Published on: 8 Nov, 2024
Voting in a Time of Genocide

The upcoming U.S. presidential election occurs against the backdrop of the ongoing genocide in Gaza, with AJ Plus prioritising marginalised voices and critically analysing Western mainstream media narratives while highlighting the undemocratic aspects of the U.S. electoral system.

Tony Karon Published on: 22 Oct, 2024
Journalists Should Not Embrace the Artificial Intelligence Hype

What factors should journalists take into account while discussing the use of AI in the media?

Jorge Sagastume Muralles
Jorge Sagastume Published on: 16 Oct, 2024
A Year of Genocide and Bias: Western Media's Whitewashing of Israel's Ongoing War on Gaza

Major Western media outlets continue to prove that they are a party in the war of narratives, siding with the Israeli occupation. The article explains how these major Western media outlets are still refining their techniques of bias in favor of the occupation, even a year after the genocide in Palestine.

Mohammad Zeidan
Mohammad Zeidan Published on: 9 Oct, 2024
A Half-Truth is a Full Lie

Misinformation is rampant in modern conflicts, worsened by the internet and social media, where false news spreads easily. While news agencies aim to provide unbiased, fact-based reporting, their focus on brevity and hard facts often lacks the necessary context, leaving the public vulnerable to manipulation and unable to fully grasp the complexities of these issues.

Ilya
Ilya U Topper Published on: 30 Sep, 2024
Testimonies of the First Witness of the Sabra & Shatila Massacre

The Sabra and Shatila massacre in 1982 saw over 3,000 unarmed Palestinian refugees brutally killed by Phalangist militias under the facilitation of Israeli forces. As the first journalist to enter the camps, Japanese journalist Ryuichi Hirokawa provides a harrowing first-hand account of the atrocity amid a media blackout. His testimony highlights the power of bearing witness to a war crime and contrasts the past Israeli public outcry with today’s silence over the ongoing genocide in Gaza.

Mei Shigenobu مي شيغينوبو
Mei Shigenobu Published on: 18 Sep, 2024
Anonymous Sources in the New York Times... Covering the War with One Eye

The use of anonymous sources in journalism is considered, within professional and ethical standards, a “last option” for journalists. However, analysis of New York Times data reveals a persistent pattern in the use of “anonymity” to support specific narratives, especially Israeli narratives.

Mohammad Zeidan
Mohammad Zeidan Published on: 8 Sep, 2024
India and Pakistan; Journalists building Bridges for Understanding

Amid decades of tension, journalists from India and Pakistan are uniting to combat hostile narratives and highlight shared challenges. Through collaboration, they’re fostering understanding on pressing issues like climate change and healthcare, proving that empathy can transcend borders. Discover how initiatives like the Journalists' Exchange Programme are paving the way for peace journalism and a more nuanced narrative.

Safina
Safina Nabi Published on: 12 Aug, 2024
From TV Screens to YouTube: The Rise of Exiled Journalists in Pakistan

Pakistani journalists are leveraging YouTube to overcome censorship, connecting with global audiences, and redefining independent reporting in their homeland.

Anam Hussain
Anam Hussain Published on: 28 Jul, 2024
How AI Synthesised Media Shapes Voter Perception: India's Case in Point

The recent Indian elections witnessed the unprecedented use of generative AI, leading to a surge in misinformation and deepfakes. Political parties leveraged AI to create digital avatars of deceased leaders, Bollywood actors

Suvrat Arora
Suvrat Arora Published on: 12 Jun, 2024
The Rise of Podcasting: How Digital Audio Is Revolutionising Journalism

In this age of digital transformation and media convergence, podcasts stand out as a testament to the enduring power of journalism—a medium that transcends borders, sparks conversations, and brings the world closer together.

Anam Hussain
Anam Hussain Published on: 6 Jun, 2024
Under Fire: The Perilous Reality for Journalists in Gaza's War Zone

Journalists lack safety equipment and legal protection, highlighting the challenges faced by journalists in Gaza. While Israel denies responsibility for targeting journalists, the lack of international intervention leaves journalists in Gaza exposed to daily danger.

Linda Shalash
Linda Shalash Published on: 9 May, 2024
Your Words Are Your Weapon — You Are a Soldier in a Propaganda War

Narrative warfare and the role of journalists in it is immense; the context of the conflict, the battleground has shifted to the realm of narratives, where journalists play a decisive role in shaping the narrative.

Ilya
Ilya U Topper Published on: 21 Apr, 2024
The Privilege and Burden of Conflict Reporting in Nigeria: Navigating the Emotional Toll

The internal struggle and moral dilemmas faced by a conflict reporter, as they grapple with the overwhelming nature of the tragedies they witness and the sense of helplessness in the face of such immense suffering. It ultimately underscores the vital role of conflict journalism in preserving historical memory and giving a voice to the voiceless.

Hauwa Shaffii Nuhu
Hauwa Shaffii Nuhu Published on: 17 Apr, 2024
Journalism in chains in Cameroon

Investigative journalists in Cameroon sometimes use treacherous means to navigate the numerous challenges that hamper the practice of their profession: the absence of the Freedom of Information Act, the criminalisation of press offenses, and the scare of the overly-broad anti-terrorism law.

Nalova Akua
Nalova Akua Published on: 12 Apr, 2024
The Perils of Journalism and the Rise of Citizen Media in Southeast Asia

Southeast Asia's media landscape is grim, with low rankings for internet and press freedom across the region. While citizen journalism has risen to fill the gaps, journalists - both professional and citizen - face significant risks due to government crackdowns and the collusion between tech companies and authorities to enable censorship and surveillance.

AJR Contributor Published on: 6 Apr, 2024
Orientalism, Imperialism and The Western Coverage of Palestine

Western mainstream media biases and defence of the Israeli narrative are connected to orientalism, racism, and imperialism, serving the interests of Western ruling political and economic elites. However, it is being challenged by global movements aiming to shed light on the realities of the conflict and express solidarity with the Palestinian population.

Joseph Daher
Joseph Daher Published on: 1 Apr, 2024
Ethical Dilemmas of Photo Editing in Media: Lessons from Kate Middleton’s Photo Controversy

Photoshop—an intelligent digital tool celebrated for enhancing the visual appearance of photographs—is a double-edged sword. While it has the power to transform and refine images, it also skillfully blurs the line between reality and fiction, challenging the legitimacy of journalistic integrity and the credibility of news media.

Anam Hussain
Anam Hussain Published on: 26 Mar, 2024
Breaking Barriers: The Rise of Citizen Journalists in India's Fight for Media Inclusion

Grassroots journalists from marginalized communities in India, including Dalits and Muslims, are challenging mainstream media narratives and bringing attention to underreported issues through digital outlets like The Mooknayak.

Hanan Zaffa
Hanan Zaffar, Jyoti Thakur Published on: 3 Mar, 2024
Silenced Voices and Digital Resilience: The Case of Quds Network

Unrecognized journalists in conflict zones face serious risks to their safety and lack of support. The Quds Network, a Palestinian media outlet, has been targeted and censored, but they continue to report on the ground in Gaza. Recognition and support for independent journalists are crucial.

Yousef Abu Watfe يوسف أبو وطفة
Yousef Abu Watfeh Published on: 21 Feb, 2024