Udupi: Journalists demonstrate against the arrest of Naveen Soorinje

By Snehalatha, Udupi
Bellevision Media Network

Udupi, 09 Nov 2012: The Udupi Journalists Association held demonstration in front of the Gandhi statue at the Service Bust Stand, Udupi on Thursday, November 8, 2012  denouncing the arrest of Naveen Soorinje, a TV Reporter in the case of  the infamous  Home Stay attack at Padil, Mangalore few months back that raked up a lot of controversy.

 

In a petition  submitted to the government through the District Superintendent of the Police, the  journalists have raised the question  that the police are yet to file a case against  the said reporter who was just doing his duty of covering the incident  how far his arrest  can be justified? Further, the journalists  argue  whether a reporter should first inform the police about an incident or do his duty of covering the incident?  There is no clarity about this dichotomy so far.  In the absence of the clarity on these issues, arresting Naveen Soorinje is not right and it goes against the independence of media as well as the journalist. They expressed anguish that in recent times there has been growing incidents of harassing and arresting media persons who cover certain controversial happenings. This is a harmful trend and impediment in the journalistic independence.

 

 

Kiran Manjanbailu, President of the Udupi Journalists Association, Umesh Marpalli, the Treasurer, Astro Mohan, Vice President and others led the protest. The apeeal was received by SP D. Prabhu Deva Mane. Pramod Madhwaraj was present on behalf of the Udupi Congress Block.