Journalists’ associations in Bengaluru and Tumakuru staged protests, on Thursday, condemning the police excesses on journalists covering the violent protests by garment factory workers earlier this week.
In Bengaluru, members of Journalists’ Association and Press Club of Bengaluru alleged that the police damaged the media persons’ equipment and beat them though they showed their identity cards to the police.
The association urged the Chief Minister to take strict action against those responsible for beating up the journalists and warned to launch a state-wide protest if the government fails to do so, said H.R. Ravish, association secretary.
The journalists, who cover such events, do not have protection and the authorities should issue necessary instructions to safeguard the interest of the journalist fraternity.
The Press Club members wore black badges and said they would meet the Chief Minister to get an update on the action taken against the police officials.
In Tumakuru, the protesting media persons raised slogans against the police.
President of district unit of Karnataka Union of Working Journalists R. Kamraj demanded the state government to conduct an inquiry into the issue. They also formed a human chain at Town Hall Circle and submitted a memorandum to Deputy Commissioner later.
