WASHINGTON, D.C. — May 17, 2023 — Following is a statement from Howard Altman, president of Military Reporters & Editors on the arrest of Indian journalist Vivek Raghuvanshi this week:
Military Reporters & Editors association joins Sightline Media Group, publisher of Defense News and Military Times and the National Press Club in calling for the immediate release of freelance reporter Vivek Raghuvanshi following his arrest in India.
“Vivek has written about the Indian defense industry for Sightline publications for more than three decades and has shown that he is a journalist of integrity and the highest ethical standards,” the news organization reported.
We are deeply concerned that Vivek, a widely respected journalist, has been accused by India’s government of collecting and passing information to foreign intelligence agencies. Sightline leaders say they “have not seen evidence to substantiate these charges and repudiate any attacks on press freedom.”
MRE regards this act as an attack on press freedom in a democratic nation and urges the Indian government to release Vivek immediately.
Journalists should never be arrested or prosecuted for simply doing their jobs.
Sincerely,
Howard Altman
MRE President
About Military Reporters & Editors (MRE)
The Military Reporters & Editors association is the leading organization for U.S. journalists covering national security. MRE provides resources, support, and networking opportunities for its members, fostering excellence in journalism and promoting public understanding of military and national security affairs.
For more information, please visit www.militaryreporters.org.