Les femmes sont traitées avec dignité: la police de Delhi rejette les allégations d'agression, émet des lignes directrices pour les journalistes alors que le policier accusé est promu

Delhi Police issued new guidelines for journalists covering protests on Monday, requiring them to carry valid identity cards and maintain a safe distance from demonstrators. The advisory, shared via social media, emphasized that journalists should not hinder police operations or the movement of law enforcement personnel. The instructions included keeping identification cards visible at all times and positioning themselves distinctly from protesters during tense situations. The guidelines followed allegations by three women journalists who claimed they were sexually harassed by police officers during a protest against the Chief Election Commissioner at Jantar Mantar on October 3. Delhi Police confirmed receiving these complaints and stated they had been forwarded to the Crime Branch for investigation. According to the police, the allegations of sexual harassment were "baseless and misleading." They clarified that female protesters were handled by female staff and "treated with dignity and due regard." The police also noted that male protesters detained during the protest were released within the stipulated time frame, adhering to legal procedures. Despite the police's denial, one of the accused officers, ACP Vivek Bhagat, was promoted to Additional DCP on Monday. This promotion occurred despite allegations against him by one of the journalists, who claimed he sexually assaulted her after she questioned his actions regarding the absence of female police officers at the protest site. Senior police officials stated the promotion was part of a routine order and had been proposed earlier. The incident prompted backlash, with the Cockroach Janta Party criticizing the promotion, accusing the police of rewarding misconduct. Meanwhile, several independent journalists and social media influencers staged a protest outside Parliament Street police station, demanding the registration of First Information Reports (FIRs) against the accused officers. Delhi Police reiterated the importance of ethical journalism, stating, "The story matters, so does how you get it!" in their advisory. They urged journalists to carry valid identity cards issued by their organizations or accreditation cards from the Press Information Bureau (PIB) or Delhi Information and Publicity (DIP). The police also mentioned that the complaints from the journalists would undergo a "fair and impartial enquiry" by the Crime Branch. However, no FIRs have been registered yet, leaving the allegations unaddressed officially. Journalists were advised to maintain a reasonable distance from protesters during volatile situations to ensure their safety and avoid any obstruction to police work. The advisory aimed to clarify the responsibilities of journalists while covering sensitive events and to reinforce the need for cooperation between media personnel and law enforcement. The incident highlights ongoing tensions between media professionals and law enforcement, particularly concerning the treatment of journalists during public demonstrations. As the investigation continues, the outcome will determine whether the allegations against the police officers hold merit.