NEW DELH: A French journalist on Friday announced her departure from India, where she had worked for almost two decades, after officials threatened her expulsion for “malicious and critical” reporting.
Critics argue that media freedom in India, the world’s largest democracy, is increasingly under attack, with journalists facing government rebuke when covering sensitive topics.
Vanessa Dougnac, who contributed to various French-language publications, including the weekly magazine Le Point, had been based in India for 23 years. Last month, the home ministry sent her a notice alleging that her work was “inimical” to national interests and indicating its provisional decision to revoke her permanent residency.
In a statement announcing her departure, Dougnac expressed that leaving was not her choice but stated, “I am unable to work and have been unfairly accused of prejudicing the interests of the state. It has become clear that I cannot keep living in India.”
Dougnac had covered several contentious issues, including the Maoist Naxalite insurgency in rural India. The home ministry’s notice accused her of engaging in journalism that was “malicious and critical,” creating a biased perception about India. Dougnac refuted all allegations and imputations made against her.
The notice coincided with the arrival of French President Emmanuel Macron, who was the guest of honor at India’s annual Republic Day military parade. During Macron’s visit, India’s foreign ministry confirmed that Dougnac’s case had been raised by France.
Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government, India has faced criticism for suppressing independent media, leading to a significant drop in the World Press Freedom Index rankings. Last year, the Indian offices of the BBC were raided by the tax department following government criticism over a documentary questioning Modi’s role in religious riots in 2002.
