Demand Justice for Murdered Journalist Mukesh and Uphold Press Freedom in India
The Issue
As an Indian myself, I am deeply disturbed by the brutal murder of fearless journalist Mukesh from Chhattisgarh. Mukesh, a beacon of truth, was killed heartlessly while doing what he should rightly be prized for: exposing corruption.
In 2022, a bill titled the Journalist (Prevention of Violence and Damage or Loss to Property) Bill was introduced, aiming to protect journalists from violence and safeguard their work. However, no action has been taken to implement this bill. Till date, politicians, businessmen, and corrupt officials control the narrative, silencing the media to bury their corruption. This status quo must change, and we all need to unite to push for this bill’s passage or the establishment of a comprehensive Protection of Journalists Act. It’s high time the safety of journalists is prioritized.
Mukesh’s assassination is not merely a heinous crime but a violent attack on democracy and press freedom in our country, India. Mukesh was often seen venturing into the rampant corruption unfolding daily in our region, aiming to reveal truth and achieve justice. His audacious efforts, however, cost him his life.
According to Reporters Without Borders, India ranks 142nd out of 180 countries in the World Press Freedom Index 2020. The death of Mukesh is one among many who have paid the ultimate price for pursuing truth. Instead of being given the safety they deserve in the pursuit of critical stories, journalists are threatened, attacked, and even killed.
This petition aims to not only seek justice for Mukesh but also demand improved protection for journalists across India. By doing so, we can preserve the essence of our democracy, the free press. We call upon the responsible authorities to urgently investigate Mukesh’s murder and ensure such brutal acts do not go unpunished.
We further urge the government to establish a Protection of Journalists Act, similar in severity to the POCSO Act, to impose strict penalties on those attacking journalists and provide specialized protections for those exposing corruption. Only by implementing such measures can we truly honor Mukesh's legacy and safeguard the future of journalism in India.
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The Issue
As an Indian myself, I am deeply disturbed by the brutal murder of fearless journalist Mukesh from Chhattisgarh. Mukesh, a beacon of truth, was killed heartlessly while doing what he should rightly be prized for: exposing corruption.
In 2022, a bill titled the Journalist (Prevention of Violence and Damage or Loss to Property) Bill was introduced, aiming to protect journalists from violence and safeguard their work. However, no action has been taken to implement this bill. Till date, politicians, businessmen, and corrupt officials control the narrative, silencing the media to bury their corruption. This status quo must change, and we all need to unite to push for this bill’s passage or the establishment of a comprehensive Protection of Journalists Act. It’s high time the safety of journalists is prioritized.
Mukesh’s assassination is not merely a heinous crime but a violent attack on democracy and press freedom in our country, India. Mukesh was often seen venturing into the rampant corruption unfolding daily in our region, aiming to reveal truth and achieve justice. His audacious efforts, however, cost him his life.
According to Reporters Without Borders, India ranks 142nd out of 180 countries in the World Press Freedom Index 2020. The death of Mukesh is one among many who have paid the ultimate price for pursuing truth. Instead of being given the safety they deserve in the pursuit of critical stories, journalists are threatened, attacked, and even killed.
This petition aims to not only seek justice for Mukesh but also demand improved protection for journalists across India. By doing so, we can preserve the essence of our democracy, the free press. We call upon the responsible authorities to urgently investigate Mukesh’s murder and ensure such brutal acts do not go unpunished.
We further urge the government to establish a Protection of Journalists Act, similar in severity to the POCSO Act, to impose strict penalties on those attacking journalists and provide specialized protections for those exposing corruption. Only by implementing such measures can we truly honor Mukesh's legacy and safeguard the future of journalism in India.
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Petition created on January 15, 2025