Bangladeshi Journalists in International Media (BJIM) on Saturday condemned the reported detention of at least 15 journalists covering protests in New Delhi, accusing Indian authorities of intimidation and interference with press freedom.

In a statement issued from Dhaka, BJIM expressed solidarity with Indian journalists and demanded the immediate release of any reporters still in police custody.

According to media reports cited by BJIM, Delhi Police detained at least 15 journalists, including reporters from Newslaundry and Scroll, during Saturday's demonstrations.

The group also cited allegations of journalists being manhandled, their work phones confiscated and independent and digital media reporters being denied access to protest sites.

Some of those detained were subsequently released, according to the statement.

"Journalism is not a privilege granted by the state," BJIM said.

"Police cannot arbitrarily decide who deserves to report based on government accreditation, institutional affiliation or publishing platform."

BJIM also raised concerns over allegations that three women journalists were sexually harassed by police officers while covering protests on October 3.

The allegations have prompted an inquiry and a notice from India's National Human Rights Commission, according to the group.

BJIM called for an independent and transparent investigation into the allegations.

The organisation urged Indian authorities to return confiscated reporting equipment, account for the treatment of detained journalists and investigate credible allegations of police misconduct.

It also demanded safeguards against arbitrary detention, intimidation and obstruction of independent reporting.

Addressing Indian journalists, particularly freelancers and reporters working without institutional protection, BJIM said: "You are not alone."

"As journalists in Bangladesh, we understand the dangers of intimidation and the chilling effect it can have on an entire profession," the statement said.

BJIM warned that public-order measures must not be used to prevent journalists from documenting events of public interest.

"The right to report does not disappear at a police barricade," it said.

"A democracy must protect those who document the exercise of democratic rights, even when their reporting makes those in power uncomfortable."

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