- Politicians all over the world, whether from developed or developing countries, or even poor countries, have one thing in common. Can you guess what it is? The majority would not appreciate being subjected to press scrutiny or questioning. Politicians are known to become agitated whenever the press criticizes them or raises uncomfortable questions on a variety of issues. These issues could range from sovereignty to national security to welfare measures, schemes aimed at particularly oppressed strata of society, and policies aimed at the general well-being of citizens. Remember that the job of the press or concerned citizens is to question the current government.
PC: David Anderson
- In fact, any democratic form of government fully supports freedom of expression as a constitutionally guaranteed right. Other stakeholders in a democratic form of governance, such as the executive, judiciary, and legislature, must support this. Unfortunately, the global community has seen an increase in incidents of even democratic governments attempting to stifle free speech and expression by enforcing anachronistic laws that have no place in the modern world. Many concerned citizens, activists, and other stakeholders in India have expressed grave concerns about the way some of the laws are still in effect. The UAPA and sedition laws come to mind immediately.
- As you are aware, one of the Wall Street Journal reporters made headlines during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent highly successful state visit to the United States of America. Indeed, PM Modi’s entire visit was extensively and widely publicized. In one of the much-publicized joint press conferences of the two largest democracies’ leaders, reporter Sabrina Siddiqui pressed Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on minority rights and free speech. Since then, the reporter has faced vicious trolls on social media. The fact that two senior White House officials condemned the social media intimidation of a reporter brings attention back to this type of internet nastiness.
PC: DNA
- As heinous as various online trolls’ comments about American citizen Sabrina Siddiqui’s ethnicity and identity are, such treatment is neither new nor unique to India. Those who attacked Siddiqui seemed to forget or refuse to acknowledge that Modi took the question and answered it. As the White House spokesman put it, such harassment is antithetical to the democratic principles on display during the state visit. Such transgressions should be condemned by all politicians, regardless of party affiliation. Our politicians should also remember that democracy, especially one as large and diverse as ours, is inherently acrimonious. As a result, there will inevitably be many questions. Simply put, politicians must refrain from overreacting.
