Journalist Faces Online Harassment After Questioning Modi

Journalist Harassed Online for Questioning Modi

Washington - The White House Correspondents' Association (WHCA) has come to the defense of a journalist who faced online harassment after posing a question to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The WHCA, an association of journalists reporting on the White House, stated, "In a democracy, journalists should not be targeted simply for doing their job and asking the necessary questions."

Modi was received as a state guest at the White House by US President Joe Biden last week. During a press appearance, Sabrina Siddiqui, a journalist from The Wall Street Journal, asked Modi about the measures being taken to protect minorities and safeguard freedom of speech. Modi responded that there was "absolutely no space" for discrimination in India and defended his government. The Prime Minister rarely engages with the media, and it is a rarity for him to answer questions during a press conference.

Since 2014, Modi has served as the Prime Minister of India under the Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). During his tenure, India has experienced a decline in rankings related to democracy and press freedom. Critics argue that religious minorities face discrimination in the predominantly Hindu country and accuse the Prime Minister of undermining democracy.

Since the press conference, journalist Siddiqui has faced intense online attacks from Modi's supporters and his party. The WHCA reported that her motives, religion, and background have been called into question. They deemed this behavior unacceptable. The White House also condemned the harassment of journalists in this context. The Wall Street Journal stated that Siddiqui is a respected journalist known for her integrity and unbiased reporting.