New York, August 22, 2016 — The Committee to Protect Journalists will release a special report on press freedom in India on August 29, 2016, entitled “Dangerous pursuit: In India, journalists who cover corruption may pay with their lives.”
The report examines the deaths of three journalists–Jagendra Singh, Umesh Rajput, and Akshay Singh–and the authorities’ response, highlighting impunity in the killing of journalists, especially those outside of the major urban centers who cover local wrongdoing. Freelancer Jagendra Singh, who died from his injuries after he reported being set on fire by police in June 2015, was covering allegations that a local minister was involved in land grabs and a rape. Before he was shot dead in January 2011, Umesh Rajput was reporting on allegations of medical negligence and claims that the son of a politician was involved in illegal gambling. Investigative reporter Akshay Singh was working on a story linked to the $1 billion university admissions racket when he died unexpectedly in July 2015.
The report includes recommendations to the Indian government, the Uttar Pradesh state government, and the Central Bureau of Investigations. CPJ is seeking meetings with Indian officials to discuss the findings and recommendations.
WHAT: Release of “Dangerous pursuit: In India, journalists who cover corruption may pay with their lives”
WHEN: August 28, 10:30 p.m. EST/August 29, 2016, 8:00 a.m. IST/0230 GMT
WHERE: CPJ.org
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CPJ is an independent, nonprofit organization that works to safeguard press freedom worldwide
Note to Editors:
CPJ’s full report is available in English. A translation of the introduction and recommendations is also available in Hindi. Advance copies are available upon request.
Media contact:
Mehdi Rahmati
Communications Associate
212-300-9032