CPJ Condemns Harassment Campaign Against ARY News Correspondent

The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has strongly condemned an online harassment campaign targeting U.S.-based ARY News correspondent Jahanzaib Ali.

Since April 25, Ali has received numerous threats on social media and via phone calls following his questioning of a U.S. State Department official about the actions of the Indian government.

CPJ condemns the online harassment campaign targeting U.S.-based @ARYNEWSOFFICIAL correspondent Jahanzaib Ali (@JazzyARY), who has reportedly received threats on social media and via phone call since questioning a @StateDept official on April 25 about Indian government actions.…

— CPJ Asia (@CPJAsia) May 17, 2024

In a statement issued from its New York office, a CPJ spokesperson expressed deep concern over the incident. “Journalists must be able to perform their duties safely and without fear of reprisal, and the public should not face undue restrictions on its right to information,” the spokesperson said.

The harassment intensified days after Ali’s political affairs YouTube channel was blocked in India under a government order citing “national security or public order.” The order came in the wake of Ali’s inquiry into a speech by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, which highlighted concerns about violence under the current Indian administration.

Jahanzaib Ali’s questioning, intended to shed light on controversial actions by the Indian government, appears to have provoked strong reactions from Indian agents and supporters. This led to the alarming escalation of threats against him.

Following the interview, Indian authorities reportedly pressured YouTube to restrict access to Ali’s channel in India, framing it as a national security threat. Concurrently, Ali began receiving a barrage of threatening calls and social media messages, some even calling for his assassination.

The CPJ’s statement underscores the critical need to protect journalists from such threats and to uphold the principles of press freedom. “The escalation of threats and the shutdown of Jahanzaib Ali’s YouTube channel are clear attempts to stifle journalistic inquiry and freedom of expression,” the CPJ spokesperson added.

The ARY News correspondent’s experience reflects a broader, troubling trend of increased threats and pressures on journalists worldwide, particularly those who dare to question powerful entities and governments.

The CPJ’s condemnation highlights the importance of international solidarity in defending the rights of journalists and ensuring they can work without fear of retaliation.