Government Raids on Journalists' Homes in India Raise Press Freedom Concerns

Police in New Delhi have raided the homes of journalists linked to NewsClick, a left-leaning news organization critical of the Indian government, under the guise of an investigation using an anti-terror law. The raids have sparked concerns about press freedom, with 46 people questioned and digital devices and documents seized. The arrests and interrogations are being conducted under India's Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, a law criticized as draconian. The raids have drawn criticism from media groups and activists, who accuse Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government of tightening its grip on press freedom. India's ranking in the World Press Freedom Index has dropped significantly since Modi came to power, and the raids are seen as part of a pattern of intimidation and censorship against independent news organizations. Protests have been organized in solidarity with those targeted.