NWMI condemns gangrape of journalist in Mumbai

The Network of Women in Media, India, (NWMI) expressed shock and anger Friday over the gangrape of a journalist and the assault on her male colleague in Mumbai a day ago.

In a statement issued here, the NWMI said the incident was a grim reminder of the deteriorating safety for women in Mumbai, and the lack of security for media professionals, especially women.

"The harassment of women professionals in the media is on the rise and, along with workplace related harassment, journalists also have had to contend with anti-women prejudice and biased reactions from employers as well as law enforcement officers," the release said.

NWMI cautions colleagues in the media to report such incidents responsibly and sensitively, without providing unnecessary details that provide markers to the identity of the journalist involved.

NWMI also demanded speedy investigation into the assault, so that justice is delivered without delay. It has sought that media houses ensure the safety and security of their staff.

The brutal gangrape of a 22-year-old photojournalist while she was at work, taking photographs of an abandoned mill in Mumbai at Mahalaxmi in central Mumbai, has left fellow professionals in the field in shock.

The two journalists were accosted and intimidated by a few people who demanded to see their authorisation for shooting in the area.

They took the woman journalist aside on the pretext of securing the authorisation for her, and tied up her colleague, and then raped her.

The Mumbai police have now arrested one person and identified four other people in the incident.

The Kerala chapter of NWMI has scheduled a meeting Friday evening at the Thiruvananthapuram Press Club to condemn the incident.