The White House has strongly condemned the online harassment faced by Sabrina Siddiqui, a Wall Street Journal reporter who fearlessly questioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the issue of religious minorities’ rights. During a joint press conference with US President Joe Biden, Siddiqui raised a crucial question regarding the discrimination faced by religious minorities in India.
The US National Security Council spokesperson, John Kirby, expressed his dismay over the reported harassment, labeling it as “completely unacceptable” and “antithetical to the very principles of democracy” that were showcased during PM Modi’s recent state visit.
During the press conference, Siddiqui directly asked PM Modi about the steps his government was willing to take to improve the rights of Muslims and other minorities in the country, while upholding free speech. In response, the Prime Minister denied any discrimination in India’s democratic values and emphasized the strong democratic spirit shared by India and the United States.
However, since the press conference, Siddiqui has faced relentless online trolling on various social media platforms. Responding to the attacks, she took to Twitter, sharing personal photos and reminding her detractors that identities can be more complex than they seem.
When asked about President Biden’s response to PM Modi’s answer on human rights, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre declined to comment, stating that it was for the prime minister to address. However, she reaffirmed the White House’s commitment to press freedom and condemned any acts of intimidation or harassment towards journalists simply doing their job.
The incident highlights the importance of protecting journalists and upholding the principles of democracy. It serves as a reminder that open dialogue and respectful engagement are vital in addressing critical issues that affect societies worldwide.