More than 30 journalists detained while covering Delhi protest

Police in the Indian capital, New Delhi, briefly detained more than 30 journalists who were covering a protest against revision of the voter list. Various press freedom groups have made the number public and accused police of beating and mistreating journalists.

The protest, held over the weekend, was mainly attended by young people. Journalists and press freedom advocacy organizations have called the Delhi police's conduct a direct attack on press freedom. They said the incident has raised serious concern about the state of press freedom in India.

The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) called the incident a stain on India's democratic tradition. The organization has demanded that Indian authorities ensure the safety of journalists and hold responsible police officials accountable.

Published reports note that while allegations of mounting pressure on the press during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's tenure have continued, the number of journalists detained this time is unusually high.