Indian Women’s Press Corps condemns Enforcement Directorate raid on NewsClick

The Indian Women's Press Corps has issued a statement condemning the raid by the Enforcement Directorate at the offices of NewsClick and the houses of its owners, directors and editors.

“The Indian Women's Press Corps is disturbed at increasing attempts on the part of the government to shrink the space for free journalism and condemns the raid by the Enforcement Directorate at the offices of NewsClick and the houses of its owners, directors and editors,” it said.

“The IWPC believes that in a country, in which freedom of speech and expression is guaranteed by the Constitution, the expression of views divergent from that of the establishment are an essential part of a vibrant democracy and cannot be muzzled,” it added. “Raids or charges of sedition cannot be used to shape and coerce the media and shut down those who differ. The Indian media is far too large and diverse to be intimidated by these messages of fear,” the statement, issued on Thursday, said.