Kerala continues to be one of the safest places for independent journalism at a time when many other States are trying to restrict media freedom with their reactive approach to criticism, Minister for Public Works P.A. Mohamed Riyas has said.
He was speaking after presenting the Theruvath Raman Memorial Journalism Excellence Award instituted by the Calicut Press Club for the best editorial to senior journalist V.M. Ibrahim here on Monday.
Mr. Riyas said the country was currently witnessing a strange situation where even the National Investigation Agency was found to have been a weapon in the hands of a few to suppress media freedom and advocacy. He pointed out that Kerala, however, had emerged as a model with its proactive approach to constructive criticism by the media.
Mr. Riyas also distributed the newly designed identity cards prepared by the press club for journalists. Press Club president E.P. Mohammed and secretary P.K. Sajith were present.
