Jaitley condemns attacks on journalists

Information and Broadcasting Minister Arun Jaitley on Wednesday condemned attacks on media persons, who were in Patiala House court premises to cover proceedings concerning JNU students union leader Kanhaiya Kumar, saying the media has an unhindered right to report.

"Media has an unhindered right to report. Attack on media persons is highly improper and condemnable," Jaitley said in a tweet.

Several journalists were beaten up by a section of lawyers at the Patiala House Court on Wednesday before Jawaharlal Nehru University Students Union leader Kanhaiya Kumar was to be brought there.

Among the journalists who were assaulted were a Firstpost photographer and reporter each as well as a journalist from Network 18.

Two groups of lawyers -- one opposed to Kanhaiya Kumar and another supporting his legal rights -- earlier got into a scuffle in the court in the heart of the capital.

The lawyers who attacked the journalists - much like what happened two days ago in the court - were noisily protesting against JNU students who allegedly raised anti-India slogans a week ago.

On Monday, many journalists including an IANS reporter, were beaten up by the same group of lawyers in the court.

Kanhaiya Kumar was arrested after anti-India slogans were raised at an event held at the JNU campus on February 9 to commemorate the execution of parliament attack convict Afzal Guru.