The leader of the Congress of the People, who is also the Legal Affairs Minister, stated that no democratic country can survive without freedom of the press.
"The COP's position is clear and unambiguous. We condemn that action of the police, whether it is an investigation into a criminal offence or not. We have to appreciate that the media is in a separate and special category, they are the protectors of the people," Ramadhar said.
He said is is no comfort that the police were acting on the basis of a warrant. He stated, "Many persons go to the media when they are afraid to go to the authorities and sometimes the very police for fear of victimisation or for any other reason."
Ramadhar said the media cannot survive if the sources that feed information are jeopardised.
"The COP calls upon the Commissioner of Police to launch an immediate investigation, first of all to tell the nation in 24 hours what is the offence that was being investigated that warranted a breach of freedom of the press," Ramadhar demanded.
Ramadhar said if a warrant is needed for media houses, a High Court Judge must first ascertain whether a criminal offense has been in fact been committed.
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