New Delhi: Days after an assault on a journalist in the United States during an interview with Indian Overseas Congress (IOC) president Sam Pitroda, the US National Press Club issued a thorough statement documenting the entire manhandling episode, which was easily thrown under the carpet.
The US Press Club blamed the IOC Congress and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s staff for the assault on India Today journalist Rohit Sharma in Dallas, where he interviewed Sam Pitroda ahead of the Congress MP’s visit to the United States.
A statement by US Press Club President Emily Wilkins said, “Several members of the IOC were listening to the interview as well as several members of Mr. Gandhi’s advance staff. On the last question, members of the audience objected to the subject of the question and stopped the interview by shouting at Sharma and pushing him while taking his phone.
“The group, which included Gandhi’s staff, deleted files from Sharma’s phone,” it further added.
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The Press Club further stated that Sharma and Sam Pitroda had previously met and done similar interviews cordially. This time, however, the interview went awry, and the audience exploded. It was stated that Sam Pitroda then called Sharma to apologise for the incident.
Notably, journalist Rohit Sharma was physically assaulted by Congress workers in Dallas while questioning Sam Pitroda on Congress’ silence on the plight of Hindus in Bangladesh.
When he asked Pitroda whether Rahul will bring up the issue of Bangladesh Hindus at his meeting with US lawmakers, the IOC workers erupted in anger and charged at the reporter. They took his phone and deleted the photographs and videos. Rohit Sharma later explained his ordeal.
Emily Wilkins also stated that the incident violated Sharma’s First Amendment rights and that the security guys played no role in the uproar and disturbance during the interview.
Under the First Amendment, individuals in the United States have the right to free expression, religion, press, assembly, and petition.
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–IANS
