Leftist propaganda website NewsClick which reportedly received financial aid from American businessman Neville Roy Singham, a suspected front-man of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), has now received the backing of the Press Club of India.
PCI backs NewsClick
A media website called NewsClick, based in Delhi, has been accused of supporting China’s views and promoting its agenda. The website is funded by an American tech mogul named Neville Roy Singham. Despite these accusations, the Press Club of India (PCI) has supported the propaganda outlet and released a statement defending them.
In its statement, PCI called the recent accusations a ‘targeted campaign’ and expressed concern. They criticized the doubts that arose after this surprising revelation. The statement said, “We, the organizations listed below, are worried about the ongoing campaign against the news website Newsclick and its founders. Some important political figures, including certain members of parliament, have accused the website of being a spokesperson for a neighbouring country. We believe these accusations are unjustified and unacceptable”.
The press release stood up for NewsClick and said that just because the propaganda website examines the government critically, it doesn’t mean they are against the country or working for another nation. The website publishes articles from credible people and talking positively about other countries’ policies doesn’t mean they support those countries.
The release also said that the same rules about disclosing financial sources for NewsClick should apply to other publications supporting the government. It’s important to know where their money comes from. Without this transparency, targeting the portal could be seen as unfairly trying to harm them.
The note added that media organizations follow Indian laws, and government agencies should also do the same. In a strong democracy, media should work freely without pressure from the government or corporations. An independent media is crucial for a healthy democracy. The note was signed by Umakant Lakhera (club president), Shobhna Jain (Indian Women’s Press Corps president), C.K. Nayak (press association president), and Sujata Madhok (Delhi Journalists’ Unit president).
The PCI that rushed to defend the leftist website is never seen extending the courtesy to portals that are ideologically non-left and often targeted by fascist state governments. Their so-called freedom of speech is limited to one set of news media.
ED had raised concerns about NewsClick
Over two years ago, the Enforcement Directorate found, after investigating, that NewsClick had received about Rs 38 crores from foreign sources. They traced the money to Neville Roy Singham, an American millionaire with links to China’s Communist Party’s publicity department. During that time, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) raised concerns and accused foreign powers and anti-Indian groups of working together to criticize India and weaken Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership.
Enforcement Directorate (ED) identified American millionaire Neville Roy Singham as the primary source of foreign funding, amounting to Rs 38 crores, received by PPK Newsclick Studio Pvt Ltd between 2018 and 2021. A significant portion of this funding was categorized as ‘proceeds from export of services’.
The investigation unveiled that these services included specific tasks such as promoting China’s influence in Africa, a region where China has faced criticism for its assertiveness and exploitative business practices. Furthermore, the funds were used to justify China’s crackdown on prominent businessmen like Jack Ma of Alibaba.
The ED also delved into the possibility of surrogate funding from the Communist Party of China (CPC) aimed at shaping a pro-Chinese media narrative in Bharat. Additionally, the investigation hinted at a connection between Singham and a senior Indian politician.
According to reports from the Economic Times, the ED’s inquiry also revealed that a portion of the foreign funding was channelled to left-wing activist Gautam Navlakha, who is an accused in the Elgar Parishad case. Navlakha was questioned by the agency in jail regarding his association with Prabir Purkayastha, the founder and editor-in-chief of NewsClick.
The ED’s findings revealed that NewsClick received funding from entities such as Justice and Education Fund Inc, GSPAN LLC, Tricontinental Ltd Inc (all based at the same address in the US), and Centro Popular Demidas in Brazil.
Further investigation showed that emails exchanged with regard to the Communist Party of China (CPC) were discovered during searches at the premises of PPK Newsclick shareholders in February 2021. The ED is also reportedly looking into substantial payments made to journalists in exchange for promoting specific stances on various issues.
During questioning, NewsClick’s founder, Prabir Purkayastha, was asked about the nature of the exported ‘services’ for which he received Rs 28.5 crore between 2018 and 2021. He was also questioned about the sudden influx of foreign funding shortly after the company’s launch. Notably, a payment of Rs 1.55 crore to an electrician raised questions, prompting inquiries into the purpose of the payment and the work performed.
Recently, the New York Times conducted an investigation and found a network of activist groups, non-profits, and shell companies connected to China and its propaganda efforts. At the centre of this network is Neville Roy Singham. The article revealed that Singham closely collaborates with the Chinese government’s media machinery and supports its worldwide propaganda.
Using this global network of activists and non-profit organizations, China has quietly spread its message and reinforced its official viewpoints. This system helps China defend itself against criticism for human rights violations and ensures its stance on global issues becomes part of international discussions.
After the report came out on 5 August, NewsClick faced strong criticism from both the BJP and the public for their unethical actions. Godda MP Nishikant Dubey accused NewsClick of receiving money from China and using it to create an anti-government atmosphere. He made these remarks in the Lok Sabha on 7 August.
While keeping an eye out for Chinese interference using Congress and other cronies, Bharat must not lose sight of the Western propaganda threat Hindu Bharat faces.
(Featured Image Source: OpIndia)
