YSR Congress Party president and former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy has strongly condemned the arrest of NTV journalists, calling it a serious assault on press freedom and democratic values. He described the police action as highly objectionable and reflective of an authoritarian approach by the government.
In a statement, Jagan alleged that the arrests were carried out in a disturbing manner, with police forcefully entering journalists’ homes late at night during the festive season. He said such actions, including breaking doors and detaining journalists without following proper legal procedures or issuing prior notices, are deeply unacceptable in a democratic system.
Jagan emphasized that journalists are not criminals or terrorists, yet they are being subjected to harsh and intimidating treatment. He noted that such actions not only violate constitutional principles but also cause severe mental stress to the families of journalists. According to him, these incidents create fear across the media fraternity and discourage free and fair reporting.
Expressing concern over what he termed as growing intolerance toward critical voices, Jagan urged the government to immediately release the arrested journalists. He appealed to the authorities to respect the Constitution, uphold the rule of law, and ensure that the freedom of the press is protected at all times.
The issue has sparked widespread debate in political and media circles, with several voices raising concerns over the safety of journalists and the shrinking space for independent media in the state.