JournalismPakistan.com | Published October 01, 2015
Join our WhatsApp channel
The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and its affiliate the National Union of Journalists (India) have strongly condemned the killing of freelance journalist Ajay Vidrohi in Sitamarhi in Bihar state in northern India on Tuesday, September 29.
The IFJ and the NUJ(I) are demanding immediate investigation to arrest the murderers.
According to reports, Vidrohi was shot dead by two unidentified criminals on the road as he returned from the police station after filing a case against his neighbors with whom he had a dispute. His family took him to hospital where he was pronounced dead. Vidrohi, 55, had worked in various newspapers before turning a freelance writer. The murder happened ahead of elections in Bihar state which begin on October 12.
Meanwhile, the IFJ and NUJ(I) also condemned the attack by supporters of religious leader, Narain Sai, on the offices of the Hindi daily, Amar Ujala in Agra in Uttar Pradesh on September 29. Around a dozen supporters of Narain Sai forcefully entered the offices, damaged furniture and attacked journalists over a report published on September 20. When the employees retaliated, all of the attackers except two ran away. Two attackers were handed over to the police.
Ras Bihari, the NUJ(I) president, said: “The killing of Ajay Vidrohi and the attack on Amar Ujala office underline the immediate need of enacting an act for the protection of journalists. We demand immediate arrest of the culprits and also compensation to the family of the slain journalist.”
The IFJ said: “The IFJ strongly condemn the murder of freelance journalist Ajay Vidrohi in Bihar, India ahead of the election; and demand immediate action to arrest the culprit. The IFJ urges the Indian government to ensure security for journalists to improve overall media situation.”
The press freedom and the safety of journalists and media workers in India have come under attack with five journalists killed so far this year. The IFJ and the NUJ(I) are dismayed by the decline and have continually been petitioning the government for action through the development of the journalist protection act.
April 11, 2025: Sindhi journalist AD Shar was brutally murdered in Khairpur, Sindh. His body was found dumped on Handiyari Link Road. PFUJ has declared a three-day mourning period and demanded justice.
April 10, 2025: The Azad Jammu and Kashmir government has filed a case against The Daily Jammu & Kashmir and its staff for alleged fake news, drawing condemnation from PFUJ and IFJ, who demand immediate withdrawal of the FIR and an end to media repression in Pakistan.
April 08, 2025: Journalist Arzoo Kazmi alleges that Pakistan's state agencies, including the FIA, have blocked her CNIC, passport, and bank account while threatening her. She calls it a direct attack on journalism.
April 07, 2025: The Islamabad High Court has directed IG Islamabad to produce journalist Ahmad Noorani’s missing brothers, as the Ministry of Defence denies custody. SIM activity was traced in Bahawalpur, and investigations into their suspected abduction continue.
April 07, 2025: Journalist and Raftar founder Farhan Mallick has been granted bail by a Karachi court in a case concerning anti-state content aired on his YouTube channel. He still faces separate charges related to an alleged illegal call center and data theft.
April 03, 2025: Veteran journalist Ghulam Abbas Shah has joined Discover Pakistan Television as the Head of Programming. With 25 years of experience in leading news organizations, he looks forward to contributing to quality storytelling and content.
April 02, 2025: The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) has strongly condemned the visit of a group of Pakistani journalists to Israel, calling it a violation of journalistic ethics and a betrayal of press freedom and human rights. PFUJ demands a transparent investigation into the matter.
March 30, 2025: Dawn criticizes Pakistan’s plan to use TV dramas against extremism, highlighting financial and digital challenges. Can media alone solve deep-rooted issues?
April 03, 2025 The International Press Institute (IPI) and International Media Support (IMS) invite nominations for the 2025 World Press Freedom Hero and Free Media Pioneer Awards. Recognizing courageous journalists and innovative media, the awards will be presented at IPI’s 75th-anniversary World Congress in Vienna. Submit your nominations by April 30, 2025.
April 01, 2025 Photojournalist Suresh Rajak was burned alive while covering a violent protest in Kathmandu. The IFJ and its affiliates condemn the attack and call for an urgent investigation to hold the perpetrators accountable.
April 01, 2025 Assam Police arrested digital journalist Dilwar Hussain Mozumder for covering a protest against alleged corruption at Assam Co-Operative Bank. Media organizations have condemned the arrest, calling it an attack on press freedom.
March 29, 2025 A federal judge has blocked the Trump administration’s attempt to dismantle Voice of America (VOA), ruling that the move likely violated legal procedures. The decision protects over 1,200 journalists and media staff.
March 28, 2025 Turkey deports BBC journalist Mark Lowen over 'public order' threat and fines opposition TV channels covering Istanbul Mayor's arrest. Critics condemn crackdown on press freedom amid rising political tensions.