Journalist Mukesh Chandrakar’s Murder Reflects Rising Threats To Democracy
The gruesome murder of journalist Mukesh Chandrakar has drawn sharp criticism from democratic and press freedom advocates. Meda Srinivas, General Secretary of the Journalists’ Democratic Rights Forum (JDRF), condemned the act as a blatant attack on press freedom and demanded swift justice for the slain journalist.
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Attack on journalists undermines democracy
Chhattisgarh & Andhra Pradesh (Before It’s News – IC): Meda Srinivas questioned the state of democracy, pointing to the increasing attacks, violence, and killings of journalists who expose the truth. “Are such atrocities on journalists a sign of democracy?” he asked, noting that political vultures and mafia groups, often backed by those in power, are terrorizing journalists. He called the murder of Mukesh Chandrakar a despicable act orchestrated by those close to him, further exposing the deteriorating law and order in Chhattisgarh.
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Call for unity among journalists
Srinivas urged journalists to unite against such injustices, emphasizing that corporate media influence has weakened solidarity among journalists. He expressed concern over the lack of security for journalists and warned that if journalists’ collective voices are suppressed, it would spell doom for democratic governance.
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Demands for justice
JDRF put forth the following demands to ensure justice and prevent future attacks on journalists:
- Special Court Trial: The Chhattisgarh government must take responsibility for Mukesh Chandrakar’s murder and ensure the culprits are tried and punished swiftly through a special court.
- Compensation for the Family: The state government should provide Rs 1 crore as compensation to Chandrakar’s family.
- Legislation for Journalists’ Protection: A special law ensuring the safety and security of journalists must be enacted immediately.
Meda Srinivas emphasized that united efforts by journalists and stronger protection laws are vital to safeguarding press freedom and ensuring justice for Mukesh Chandrakar.
(Source: IAIJ/BIN/DPJB)
