Journalists’ Premises Raided, NewsClick Faces Anti-Terror Case Amid Dispute Over Chinese Funding

In New Delhi, the residences of numerous journalists linked to NewsClick were raided today in relation to a case filed under the rigorous Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). Reports indicate that Delhi Police initiated this case under anti-terrorism legislation on August 17, shortly after a New York Times report claimed that the news outlet had received support from an organization promoting Chinese propaganda.

Today, officials from the Special Cell of Delhi Police carried out searches at approximately twenty-four locations in Delhi-NCR. As of now, authorities have not reported any arrests, but they have mentioned that they brought in certain journalists for questioning. Previously, the Enforcement Directorate had filed a case against the news portal and probed its financial sources. Additionally, the central agency had seized assets associated with the news portal.

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Journalists Under Scrutiny in NewsClick Case Amid Foreign Funding Allegations

According to sources, the case pertains to suspected infringements in foreign funding acquisition and utilization. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) provided the foundation for the recent FIR with its provided details. The ED had previously asserted that the news portal received approximate sum of ₹38 crore from entities associated China. The utilization of these funds is currently under scrutiny.

Authorities are investigating individuals who received salaries or payments from NewsClick. They have seized the laptops and mobile phones of the journalists whose homes were searched today for further examination. In August, a New York Times inquiry had claimed that NewsClick, along with other organizations, had received funding from a network associated with US millionaire Neville Roy Singham, which promotes Chinese propaganda.

NewsClick and its financial sources faced scrutiny in 2021 when the Delhi Police’s Economic Offences Wing filed a case against it. The Enforcement Directorate based its case on this initial case. NewsClick’s promoters received protection from arrest by the Delhi High Court, and the matter is currently before the court.

Prabir Purkayastha, the editor of NewsClick, criticized the actions taken against the news portal. He described them as efforts to suppress the independent journalism of media outlets, including NewsClick. He emphasized that the Indian Constitution’s Article 19(1)(a) safeguards the fundamental right to freedom of speech and expression, a core aspect of their work.

In response to the August New York Times report, Prabir Purkayastha stated these allegations were not new and previously raised. He indicated that they would address these allegations in proper legal forum, as the matter was already under judicial consideration.

The Press Club of India has conveyed its apprehensions regarding the searches carried out at the residences of journalists and writers linked to Newsclick. They are closely observing the situation and plan to issue a comprehensive statement in response.

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