Attack on journalists covering Rajapaksa visit condemned

The Madras Reporters Guild has condemned the police attack on journalists covering the visit of Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa to Tirupati Wednesday morning and demanded severe action against the erring policemen of Andhra Pradesh.

MDMK party workers protesting against Rajapaksa's visit at Tiruttani

A joint statement issued by the Guild’s President R Rangaraj and Secretary D Sekar urged the Andhra Pradesh government to take immediate steps for the release of journalists detained by the Andhra Pradesh police.

The statement added: “The Madras Reporters Guild urges the Andhra Pradesh government to take steps to enable the press to discharge their duties in a free and fair manner.

“The Guild notes with concern that some journalists were injured in the attack and that the cameras of some media persons were damaged in the attack. It demands compensation to the affected media persons.” TWL Bureau