13th November 2024

US on NewsClick row: ‘Aware’ of reports on portal’s China ties, urges India to respect media freedom

by | Oct 4, 2023 | Indian-American

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The United States is aware of reports on the alleged ties between the Indian media organisation Newsclick and China, but it cannot comment on the veracity of those claims yet, an official said on Tuesday.

US Department of State Principal Deputy Spokesperson Vedant Patel added that the US has urged the Indian Government “about the importance of respecting the human rights of journalists, including freedom of expression both online and offline.” He was answering a question during a routine briefing in Washington DC.

The founder-editor and head of the human resources department of the news portal NewsClick were arrested on Tuesday after day-long searches at over 50 locations linked to the news portal, its employees and contributors. As The Indian Express reported, the searches and the arrest followed an August 17 FIR based on the Enforcement Directorate’s inputs that NewsClick had allegedly received illegal funding from China, routed through the United States.

When asked if the US has any information on the potential Chinese influence operation that might be connected to this, Patel answered in negative.

When asked to comment on media reports alleging Newsclick was part of a Chinese influence operation that’s funded through a network of an American businessman, Patel said, “We are aware of those concerns and have seen that reporting about this outlet’s ties to the PRC, but we can’t comment yet on the veracity of those claims.”

However, in response to a query about the raids being an infringement on the free press, Patel said, “… the US Government strongly supports the robust role of the media globally, including social media, in a vibrant and free democracy, and we raise concerns on these matters with the Indian Government, with countries around the world, through our diplomatic engagements that are, of course, at the core of our bilateral relationship.”

“We have urged the Indian Government, and have done so not just with India but other countries as well, about the importance of respecting the human rights of journalists, including freedom of expression both online and offline,” he added.

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