New Delhi, August 24(Scoop News) -The Delhi Union of Journalists expresses its outrage at the sexual assault on a woman photojournalist in Mumbai while she was on an assignment for her magazine. The daylight rape in the heart of the metropolis has shocked us. We also condemn the attack on her male colleague and demand immediate arrest and speedy prosecution of the criminals responsible.
The Gender Council of the DUJ notes with concern the growing backlash against the increasing entry of women into the public and professional spheres that is taking violent forms, ranging from sexual harassment to acid attacks, rape and murder.
The DUJ supports the Maharashtra state government’s announcement of trial in a fast track court once the criminals in the photojournalist’s case are arrested. However, we demand that all such cases are fast tracked. Judicial delays and low conviction rates are at the heart of the denial of justice to many rape victims.
DUJ expects the employers of the two journalists to pay their medical bills and provide compensation for injuries incurred while on duty. We urge media employers to provide safe transport and take security measures to protect all employees, including women working night shifts or covering assignments that entail serious risk. In recent times the special vulnerability of women journalists has come to the fore with the arbitrary arrest of a reporter for alleged involvement in the mafia murder of her colleague, the discovery of a woman editor who was rendered homeless and living outside a gurudwara and other such episodes. We call for greater vigilance and solidarity within the profession.
The DUJ calls for a risk insurance cover for all journalists in the country covered under the wage board or on contract basis, taking into account increasing reports of press bashing. Newspaper managements and the government have to take this responsibility in an explosive situation where journalists are being exposed to increasing attacks.
It welcomes the suo moto intervention by the Chairman of the Press Council of India.
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