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“We are aware of the reports of harassment. It’s unacceptable. We absolutely condemn any harassment of the journalist anywhere under any circumstances.” said John Kirby, Spokesperson of the White House.
On July 22, During a joint press conference attended by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the white house, a reporter made headlines by asking some tough questions to him. For the first time since taking office in 2014, he granted journalists' questions, which was an uncommon occurrence.
A Wall Street Journalist, Sabrina Siddiqui asked him questions about the rights of Muslims and other minorities under threat. Her questions cited worries expressed by a human rights organization that criticized Indian Government for cracking press freedom and discriminating against minorities.
The controversy sparked when PM Modi returned to India to which National Security Council Spokesman John Kirby replied that such harassment is unacceptable. He also commented that it is antithetical to many principles of democracy. White House Press Secretary Karine Jean Pierre said that they are committed to the freedom of the press, which is the reason why they had a press conference. Any attempt at intimidating a journalist who is attempting to do their job is condemned.
As per ThePrint, BJP’s Information cell Head Amit Malviya attacked Siddiqui on Twitter by stating that she received a ‘Fitting answer’.
Indian officials have also criticized Ex-President Barack Obama on his statement on the same matter. To this cabinet ministers responded and questioned him about bombings of Muslim countries during his presidency.
Following the matter, Sabrina Siddiqui tweeted her father and her picture supporting Team India. As per sources Sabrina’s father is an Indian by birth and moved to Pakistan.
PM Modi visited the United States last week and was hosted by US President Joe Biden as well as first lady Jill Biden for dinner at the white house and a State Luncheon by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, as well as Vice President Kamala Harris.
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