United Nations, Sept 14: A group of UN human rights experts has urged the Government of India to create a safer environment for independent voices, after Indian journalist and human rights defender Gauri Lankesh was killed earlier this month in Bengaluru, Karnataka.
“The Indian authorities should unequivocally condemn the killing of Gauri Lankesh, investigate it, bring all the perpetrators – including the masterminds – to account, and take seriously the safety of journalists,” said the Special Rapporteurs on freedom of opinion and expression, David Kaye and others here yesterday.
They called the murder of Ms Lankesh, who was shot dead outside of her home on 5 September a “terrible and painful tragedy” and a “vicious attack” on the freedom of the press.
“We urge the authorities in India to take active steps to reverse a political climate that in recent years have become increasingly polarised and hostile, especially to the media and those exercising the freedom of expression,” the Special Rapporteurs said, adding that they are in contact with the Government regarding the situation.
According to the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), Ms Lankesh was known as a “rationalist,” a term used in India for people who stand against the use of religion in politics.
“The Indian authorities should unequivocally condemn the killing of Gauri Lankesh, investigate it, bring all the perpetrators – including the masterminds – to account, and take seriously the safety of journalists,” said the Special Rapporteurs on freedom of opinion and expression, David Kaye and others here yesterday.
They called the murder of Ms Lankesh, who was shot dead outside of her home on 5 September a “terrible and painful tragedy” and a “vicious attack” on the freedom of the press.
“We urge the authorities in India to take active steps to reverse a political climate that in recent years have become increasingly polarised and hostile, especially to the media and those exercising the freedom of expression,” the Special Rapporteurs said, adding that they are in contact with the Government regarding the situation.
According to the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), Ms Lankesh was known as a “rationalist,” a term used in India for people who stand against the use of religion in politics.
(UNI)
