Lagatar24 Desk
Canberra: Australian news outlet Australia Today has expressed its resolve following a ban imposed by Canada after broadcasting External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar’s press conference. The outlet reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to transparency, accurate reporting, and the freedom of the press.
“We remain steadfast in our mission to bring important stories and voices to the public, undeterred by these obstacles,” said Jitarth Jai Bharadwaj, Managing Editor of Australia Today, in a statement. He added, “The overwhelming support we have received is a powerful reminder of the importance of free press, and we will continue to strive for transparency, accuracy, and the right to tell stories that matter.”
The ban came shortly after the outlet aired Minister Jaishankar’s remarks on India-Canada diplomatic tensions and the issue of Khalistani extremism in Canada. India condemned the move, calling it a blatant act of hypocrisy that contradicted Canada’s professed stance on freedom of speech.
Australia Today described the impact of the ban as challenging for its team and advocates of open journalism. “Despite these restrictions, your unwavering support has been a beacon of strength for us. Whether it was sharing our coverage on other platforms, voicing concerns about press freedom, or offering encouragement, every action made a difference,” the outlet stated.
Responding to the development, the Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, said, “We were surprised. It looks strange to us. These actions highlight Canada’s hypocrisy towards freedom of speech.” He reiterated Jaishankar’s emphasis on Canada making unfounded allegations and conducting surveillance on Indian diplomats, which India considers unacceptable.
Relations between India and Canada have worsened in recent months, especially after Ottawa accused New Delhi of involvement in the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
