National Press Club calls on India to investigate attacks on reporters

The National Press Club called on Nov. 28 for the Indian government to investigate charges that reporters were beaten in Indian-controlled Kashmir and to prevent such attacks from happening again.

The Associated Press reported that four journalists were beaten while covering a protest in that region on Nov. 25. One of them, Umar Meraj, an AP cameraman, said he was attacked with rifle butts, batons, fists and kicks. The AP said local journalists and non-governmental organizations have repeatedly reported harassment and assaults by police in the territory.

“Reporters and concerned people everywhere are appalled by these alleged attacks on journalists,” said Club President Mark Hamrick, an AP broadcast journalist. “We call on the Indian government to look into the incidents, to bring to justice those responsible and to do everything possible to prevent recurrences.”

The National Press Club, based in Washington, D.C., is the world's leading professional organization for journalists. The Club represents more than 3,200 members worldwide representing every major news organization. The Club was founded in 1908.