GG News Bureau
Geneva, 27th June. The Press Emblem Campaign (PEC), a prominent global media safety and rights organization, has expressed deep shock and called for a thorough investigation into the murder of Indian journalist Shivshankar Jha. The 40-year-old journalist was brutally attacked by unidentified miscreants near his residence in Maripur village, located in the Muzaffarpur district of Bihar, on the evening of June 25, 2024. Jha sustained multiple knife injuries and, despite being rushed to a nearby hospital, was declared dead by attending doctors.
Shivshankar Jha was a well-known figure in local journalism, having worked for several Hindi media outlets. His sudden and violent death has not only sent shockwaves through the media community but also raised serious concerns about the safety of journalists in India. Jha’s family has alleged that the local liquor mafia is behind the heinous crime, hinting at the possibility that his reporting may have made him a target.
In response to the incident, Blaise Lempen, President of PEC, issued a statement condemning the murder and demanding a fair and transparent investigation to bring the culprits to justice. “Shivshankar Jha becomes the second journalist to be killed this year in India and the 57th victim across the world since January 1. We express profound grief over the incident and demand a fair probe so that the culprits can be punished under the law. PEC will urge Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar to take initiatives for a proper investigation into the matter and duly compensate the bereaved family,” Lempen said.
The PEC’s call for justice reflects a broader concern about the increasing threats and violence faced by journalists globally. According to Nava Thakuria, PEC’s South Asia representative, this incident marks a disturbing trend in the region. Earlier this year, on May 13, television journalist Ashutosh Shrivastava, who worked for Sudarshan News, was shot dead in Uttar Pradesh, India.
The situation is similarly dire in neighboring countries. In Pakistan, seven journalists have been killed this year, namely Khalil Afridi Jibran, Nasrullah Gadani, Kamran Dawar, Mehar Ashfaq Siyal, Maulana Mohammad Siddique Mengal, Jam Saghir Ahmad Lar, and Tahira Nosheen Rana. Myanmar has also witnessed the murder of journalist Ko Myat Thu Tun, who was killed during military atrocities.
The PEC’s demand for a fair investigation into Jha’s murder is accompanied by a plea for greater protection measures for journalists in India and the broader South Asia region. The organization emphasizes that the freedom of the press is a fundamental right that must be safeguarded to ensure a functioning democracy. Journalists play a crucial role in uncovering the truth and holding those in power accountable, but their safety is increasingly at risk due to escalating violence and intimidation.
In light of these challenges, the PEC has called on the Indian government to take immediate steps to protect journalists and create a safer environment for them to perform their duties without fear. This includes implementing stronger laws and regulations to protect journalists, ensuring that crimes against them are swiftly and effectively prosecuted, and providing support and compensation to the families of those who have been killed.
Shivshankar Jha’s tragic death serves as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by journalists and the urgent need for action to protect their lives and uphold press freedom. The PEC’s call for a thorough investigation and greater protection measures is a crucial step towards ensuring justice for Jha and preventing further violence against journalists in the future.
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