New Delhi: The US’s National Press Club has released a statement urging the Indian government to rescind its ban on the BBC documentary that probes Narendra Modi’s role in the 2002 Gujarat riots, highlighting that India cannot hold on to its identity as the largest democracy in the world if it “continues to erode press freedom.”
The statement from Eileen O’Reilly, president of the National Press Club, and Gil Klein, president of the National Press Club Journalism Institute, is the second on the Modi government’s blocking of the documentary. It had previously criticised the government’s direction to Twitter and YouTube to ban the documentary in India using the IT Rules.
The press club has over 3,000 members and is over a century old. In its statement it said:
“India should be proud that it is the largest democracy in the world, but it cannot hold on to that identity if it continues to erode press freedom, persecute journalists, and suppress news that holds a mirror up to its shortcomings. Since Modi came to power, we have watched with frustration and disappointment as his government — time and time again — has suppressed the right of its citizens to a free and independent news media.”
“We strongly urge the government of India to rescind its ban on the BBC documentary and to allow the citizens of India to decide for themselves whether they agree or disagree with its findings. The BBC is one of the most respected news sources in the world and is known for its high editorial standards. We also demand in the strongest terms the government stop its persecution of journalists and suppression of press freedom in India.”
In India, several students’ bodies have attempted to screen the film, which features an unreleased UK government report which holds Modi “directly responsible” for the riots. Authorities have, in turn, clamped down by suspending students and ordering power to be cut during screenings.
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