Editors Guild calls for probe into cases of sexual harassment

New Delhi, Oct 9 (IANS) The Editors Guild of India on Tuesday expressed concern over instances of alleged sexual harassment, and called upon the news media organisations to conduct unbiased probes into all such cases.

In a statement, the Editors Guild expressed solidarity with the women journalists "who have displayed the courage to bring these critical issues in public debate".

The statement came in the wake of a #MeToo campaign which singed newsrooms, with some women journalists using social media to mention cases of alleged sexual harassment against them. 

The Guild said it unequivocally condemns all "predatory conduct" by such men. "It is worse when the perpetrators also happen to be enjoying senior or supervisory positions in the profession."

The statement said that the Guild is also committed to ensuring that the legal rights of either the victims or the accused are not violated. 

"A fair, just and safe working environment is essential if press freedom is to flourish. The newsroom in our profession is a relatively informal, free-spirited and hallowed space. It must be protected." 

"The Guild extends its total support to all women journalists, who suffered a disadvantage in their careers, physical or mental trauma, as a result of any sexual predation," the statement added.