National Press Club President Emily Wilkins Speaks on Alleged Assault of Indian Journalist in Dallas
Washington DC [US], September 17: Emily Wilkins, the president of the National Press Club, issued a statement regarding the alleged assault of an Indian journalist by Congress workers in Dallas, United States. She mentioned that this incident might have violated the First Amendment rights of the reporter.
The incident occurred when the journalist, a member of the National Press Club, was interviewing Sam Pitroda, the chief of the Indian Overseas Congress. The interview was conducted professionally with agreed-upon recording. However, some members of the IOC staff objected to the last question, stopped the interview, allegedly pushed the reporter, took his phone, and deleted files from it.
Wilkins emphasized that the First Amendment rights in the US protect freedom of expression, religion, press, assembly, and the right to petition. She stated that security staff must be aware that reporters in the US are protected by these rights, regardless of nationality.
Sam Pitroda later apologized to the journalist, stating he had no objection to the question. The National Press Club President reiterated that the security team had no right to interfere with the interview or take the reporter’s phone.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) criticized the Congress party over the incident. BJP spokesperson Sudhanshu Trivedi and Prime Minister Narendra Modi both condemned the actions, with Modi taking a jibe at Rahul Gandhi’s ‘Mohabbat Ki Dukaan’ slogan.
Doubts Revealed
National Press Club -: The National Press Club is a place where journalists and news reporters gather to discuss important issues and events. It is located in Washington, D.C., USA.
Emily Wilkins -: Emily Wilkins is the president of the National Press Club. She is a leader who represents journalists and speaks on their behalf.
Alleged Assault -: An alleged assault means that someone is accused of hurting another person, but it has not been proven yet.
First Amendment rights -: The First Amendment is a part of the U.S. Constitution that protects freedom of speech and freedom of the press. It means people can express their opinions and journalists can report news without fear of punishment.
Sam Pitroda -: Sam Pitroda is a leader in the Indian Overseas Congress, which is a group that represents the Indian National Congress party outside of India.
Indian Overseas Congress -: The Indian Overseas Congress is a part of the Indian National Congress party that works with Indians living in other countries.
BJP -: BJP stands for Bharatiya Janata Party, which is one of the major political parties in India. It is different from the Indian National Congress party.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi -: Narendra Modi is the Prime Minister of India. He is the leader of the Indian government and a member of the BJP.
