In a strong condemnation of the online harassment faced by a Wall Street Journal reporter, the White House has emphasized the importance of upholding democratic principles and denounced any form of harassment that goes against these values. The incident occurred during a joint press conference held on June 22 in Washington, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Joe Biden discussed various issues, including religious minorities’ rights. During the press conference, the reporter, identified as Siddiqui, raised a question regarding the rights of religious minorities in India.
He referred to concerns raised by human rights groups about the alleged discrimination against religious minorities and the stifling of critics by the Indian government. Siddiqui asked PM Modi about the steps his government was willing to take to improve the rights of Muslims and other minorities and ensure the preservation of free speech. The White House National Security Council spokesperson, John Kirby, strongly condemned the subsequent online harassment faced by Siddiqui. He expressed that such behavior was entirely unacceptable and contrary to the fundamental principles of democracy.
Kirby emphasized that the joint press conference had showcased the democratic values shared by both India and the United States, and that the reported harassment went against the spirit of that event. In response to Siddiqui’s question, PM Modi expressed surprise and refuted any allegations of discrimination based on religion or any other factors in India. He reiterated that India is a democracy where there is no room for discrimination and that the principles of democracy are deeply ingrained in the country’s DNA.
The Prime Minister highlighted the significance of democracy in both India and the United States, emphasizing that democracy is a way of life for both nations. The incident involving the online harassment of the Wall Street Journal reporter highlights the challenges faced by journalists in their pursuit of asking tough questions and holding leaders accountable. It underscores the importance of supporting a free press and protecting the rights of journalists to carry out their work without fear of intimidation or harassment. The White House’s condemnation of the online harassment serves as a reminder of the crucial role that journalism plays in upholding democratic values and ensuring transparency in governance. It sends a strong message that any form of harassment or intimidation directed at journalists is unacceptable and will not be tolerated.