India Faces Criticism Over Journalist Crackdown During Youth Protests

Reporters accuse India of targeting journalists during youth-led protests, raising concerns over press freedom and media independence.

Editorial Desk

October 13, 2026 One Min Read

POLICY WIRE — New Delhi, India — A growing number of local and international media rights groups have raised alarms over the use of excessive force against journalists covering youth-led demonstrations in India, warning that press freedom is increasingly under threat.

Reporters Without Borders reported that at least 16 journalists were detained during weekend protests, labeling the actions as unacceptable. Multiple Indian press organizations, including the Press Club of India and the Indian Women’s Press Corps, also criticized the treatment of reporters covering the unrest.

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Journalists covering Delhi protests were briefly detained during a large-scale police operation, sparking renewed concerns about media freedoms. The protests, which called for the resignation of the chief election commissioner, have drawn sharp criticism from opposition figures and media professionals who claim law enforcement has been overly aggressive in its response.

Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)

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