Days before President Emmanuel Macron’s official visit, a French journalist announced on Tuesday that she was facing expulsion from India after twenty years for what authorities have called “malicious and critical” coverage.
Critics claim that freedom of the press in the largest democracy in the world is under attack more and more, with the government frequently reprimanding journalists who cover controversial subjects.
The most recent is Vanessa Dougnac, a 22-year-old resident of India who writes for several French-language magazines, notably the weekly Le Point.
Last week, the reporter received a notification from the home ministry stating that her work was “inimical” to national interests.
“Her journalistic activities are malicious and critical in manner; they create biased perceptions about India,” read the notification.
Dougnac, whose spouse is Indian, was given until February 2 to contest the ministry’s decision to revoke her permanent status, which would compel her to depart the nation.
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