ISLAMABAD
The ‘Workers Committee’ of Online News Agency and Jinnah Newspaper protested Friday despite intense rain and chilly weather for a fifth consecutive day, demanding the release of their Editor-in-Chief Mohsin Jameel Baig and restoration of transmission of media houses such as ‘News One’ channel. Notable journalist leaders, media workers and political representatives participated in the protest, held outside the Online News Agency. Chairman of Pakistan Muslim League – Qayyum Group Faqeer Hussain Bukhari, President of National Press Club (NPC) Anwar Raza, President PFUJ Afzal Butt and senior journalists addressed the protest.
Speakers said that apprehended senior journalist Mohsin Jameel Baig has become the ‘symbol of press freedom’ and media-men from all over the country paid tribute to Baig for showing resistance.
Speakers said that Baig was put into jail’s death cell, which was a classic example of media-oppression. Current government had started conspiring against press freedom and to curb journalists’ rights.
They said that abrupt implementation of PECA act through ordinance was part of such conspiracies; however, journalist community would fearlessly face government’s persecution. Speakers noted that their protest will continue until government withdraws from its baseless cases against Mohsin Jameel Baig and plowing against media institutions.
