Delhi Police issues protest coverage rules for journalists

The Delhi Police on Monday issued a set of guidelines for journalists covering protests, asking them to carry valid identity cards, keep them visibly displayed and ensure that their presence does not obstruct police operations. The guidelines came amid allegations by women journalists covering a recent protest at Jantar Mantar that they were groped and assaulted by police personnel.In a social media post, the Delhi Police said, "The story matters, so does how you get it!" and explained the dos and don'ts for journalists while performing their duties."All journalists assigned to cover protests are advised to carry valid identity cards issued by their respective organisations and/or valid PIB/DIP accreditation cards."They should keep their identification cards visibly displayed at all times to facilitate identification by law enforcement agencies present at the site. "They should also ensure that their presence or activities do not obstruct police operations or the movement of law enforcement personnel."During tense situations, journalists present at the site should maintain a reasonable and safe distance while covering and recording the proceedings. They should position themselves in a manner that clearly distinguishes them from protesters," the four-point directive, with a hastag #EthicsofJournalism, said.Three women journalists have accused Delhi Police officers of sexual harassment during Saturday's protest against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar at Jantar Mantar.The Delhi Police has received the complaints and forwarded them to the Crime Branch for further enquiry.Meanwhile, the Delhi Police Assistant Commissioner accused of sexually harassing a woman journalist during the protest was promoted to the rank of Additional Deputy Commissioner on Monday, along with 11 other officers, according to an official order.A senior police officer said the promotions were routine and that the proposal for the promotions had been sent much earlier.On Sunday, the Delhi Police, in a post on its official X handle, said that during the October 3 protest in the New Delhi area, which sparked a "law and order situation", three female journalists had made allegations of sexual harassment against police officers. "New Delhi District has received their complaints and the same are transferred to Crime Branch for fair and impartial enquiry."Following the allegations, several independent journalists held a protest outside Parliament Street police station, demanding an FIR against the officers.- Ends