Pakistan: CFWIJ Is Horrified By The Violent Attack On Veteran Journalist Jugnu Mohsin

Threats
Written By 
Location: Pakistan
Date: June 8, 2021

Veteran journalist Syeda Maimanat Mohsin, popularly known as Jugnu Mohsin survived an assassination attempt on Monday, June 7. Her convoy was attacked by armed assailants in Okara when she left after attending an event. Assailants fired on her convoy and attacked the cars with sticks and stones as they intercepted the convoy.

Fortunately, Mohsin remained unhurt and escaped the incident. The attackers also fled from the scene but according to the first information report (FIR), Police have managed to arrest two suspects. Mohsin had received warnings on social media to not visit her village in Okara, otherwise, she'll be attacked. Just three days before the incident on June 4, Mohsin had presented a bill in the Punjab provincial assembly condemning the attacks on journalists and activists in Pakistan. CFWIJ is horrified by the nature of the attack against Jugnu Mohsin. It's questionable how assailants who warned her of consequences on social media were able to execute their plan. We demand that police apprehend the main culprits involved in the attack and improve the security for Mohsin.

Addressing the Punjab provincial assembly on June 4, Mohsin recalled the history of violent attacks on journalists in the country. She stated that what journalists and activists are suffering today, this pattern is not new. "We have fought hard and long for whatever little freedom we are left to enjoy. Being a journalist myself for 30 years and having seen my husband, Najam Sethi- attacked, arrested and disappeared- a number of times as a cost of his freedom of expression, I know how it feels like. I'm speaking on behalf of those oppressed families today." She added while highlighting the recent attacks against journalists Absar Alam, Asad Ali Toor and banning Hamid Mir's show. She demanded the government ensure protection for the rights of journalists and activists. She urged that the state must serve justice in the cases of torture and murders of journalists and hold the criminals accountable.

According to the FIR registered by the police, armed assailants ambushed the convoy as she was returning from Okara and opened fire on the cars. The attackers fled from the scene while threatening Mohsin. She was returning after addressing a rally held in her village. According to police, the attack seems to be politically motivated by some opponent. Authorities have apprehended two suspects while the main accused is still on the run.

Journalist and husband to Mohsin, Najam Sethi shared the news of the attack on Twitter. Tagging the interior minister in the Tweet, Najam inquired why an application for an armoured vehicle was refused recently without any reason. Who will be responsible if she (Jugnu) is hurt.

The Coalition For Women In Journalism demands swift action from the police into the registered FIR. We hope that authorities will catch the main culprits soon. We demand the Interior Ministry officials of the country to provide the necessary safety protocol to Jugnu Mohsin. CFWIJ stands in solidarity with the veteran journalist and extends our full support.

 

The CFWIJ strongly condemns the police brutality against journalists. We demand the immediate return of the press cards seized from the security forces. Policies to intimidate journalists should be abandoned, and journalism should be practiced under the criteria of freedom of the press.

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