Keep a safe distance: Delhi Police issues advisory for journalists covering protests
Media personnel have been asked to display valid identification, maintain a safe distance and avoid obstructing police operations while covering demonstrations.
Journalists have also been advised to maintain a safe distance during tense situations and position themselves clearly apart from protesters. Photo: ANI
New Delhi: The Delhi Police on Monday issued an advisory for journalists covering protests. The guidelines come amid allegations by women journalists covering a recent protest at Jantar Mantar that they faced misconduct by police personnel.
In a post on X, the Delhi Police said, “The story matters, so does how you get it!” and outlined the key points for journalists to note.
The story matters, So does how you get it!Guidelines for journalists.#DPUpdates #EthicsofJournalism https://t.co/Uu4nguCbJk
Display Valid Identification: Media personnel must carry and visibly display valid identity cards issued by their respective organizations or valid PIB (Press Information Bureau) / DIP (Directorate of Information and Publicity) accreditation cards at all times.
Do Not Obstruct Operations: Journalists must ensure that their presence or actions do not obstruct police operations or the movement of law enforcement personnel.
Maintain Safe Distance: During tense situations, media persons are advised to maintain a reasonable and safe distance while covering and recording the proceedings.
Distinguish From Protesters: Journalists should position themselves in a manner that clearly distinguishes them from the protesters.
The advisory comes amid deployment of police personnel at protest sites, where journalists covering demonstrations may have to operate in tense and crowded situations.
The Delhi Police said the measures are aimed at facilitating identification of journalists and ensuring media persons do not interfere with police operations or the movement of security personnel.