The Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was questioned by Wall Street Journal writer Sabrina Siddiqui last week during a rare press conference at the White House about human rights, democracy, and free speech. The harassment of Siddiqui has been sharply denounced by the White House.
The journalist soon experienced online teasing and intimidation.
PM Modi just got back from his first-ever, three-day State visit to the US, during which he also paid an official visit to Egypt.
At a White House press briefing on June 26, John Kirby, the US National Security Council’s lead for strategic communication, stated that the White House was aware of the accusations of harassment against Siddique and issued a statement vehemently condemning the assaults.
PM Modi’s Answer to Siddique’s Question
Siddique addressed the Indian Prime Minister during the White House news conference and asked:
“India has long taken pleasure in being the biggest democracy in the world, but many human rights organizations claim that your administration has discriminated against religious minorities and tried to stifle its critics. What steps are you and your government prepared to do to better the rights of Muslims and other minorities in your nation and to maintain free speech as you stand here in the East Room of the White House, where so many foreign leaders have vowed to defend democracy?
Modi, who rarely does press conferences or answers questions from the media, showed his surprise at the question. He responded through a translator in Hindi,
“Democracy embodies who we are. We are democratic at our core. We live in a democracy, and our government upholds its fundamental values. We have consistently demonstrated the efficacy of democracy. And when I say deliver, I mean without regard to anyone’s gender, age, caste, creed, or geographic region. There is no room for discrimination at all.
Subsequently, she received severe backlash from the likes of Amit Malviya, who called the question “motivated” and brought into question Siddiqui’s Pakistan origin.
White House Reaction
Officials from the White House have denounced the harassment of the journalist. During a news conference on Monday, John Kirby, who oversees strategic communication for the US National Security Council, made a statement.
“It’s abhorrent, and we oppose any form of harassment towards our journalists at any time. It went against the fundamental tenets of democracy that were on show during the state visit last week.
John Kirby, who oversees strategic communication for the U.S. National Security Council
Following Mr. Kirby’s remarks on Monday, June 26, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre also released a statement.
“We had the press conference last week because we are devoted to press freedom. We categorically reject any attempts at intimidating or harassing journalists who are just trying to do their jobs.
Press Secretary: Jean-Pierre
Response of Siddique to the Attacks
After the harassment, Siddique, a Wall Street Journal reporter, posted pictures of herself on Twitter wearing a Team India cricket jersey. It feels only reasonable to give a more complete picture since some people have chosen to draw attention to my personal background, according to her caption. Identity issues can sometimes be more complicated than they appear.
Muslim American Siddique covers the Biden administration as a White House reporter for The Wall Street Journal in Washington, DC.
