Norwegian journalist who heckled PM Modi finds social media accounts suspended

Oslo: Helle Lyng, the Norwegian journalist who came into news on Monday for pressing Prime Narendra Modi to take a media question, has alleged that two of her social media accounts have been suspended, denying her a link with social media users.

The journalist posted on her ‘X’ page on Wednesday, tagging Meta to it, “If you’re trying to reach me on Instagram or Facebook, I would like to let you know I have been suspended from both accounts. I have wanted to respond to as many Indians as possible, but my responses will now be delayed. I hope I will get my accounts back. (sic)”

Referring to her question to PM Modi on freedom of press and why he refused to take her question, since Norway ranked top in the matter of press freedom, she had posted on Monday, “Primeminister of India, Narendra Modi, would not take my question, I was not expecting him to. Norway has the number one spot on the World Press Freedom Index, India is at 157th.”

A widespread political debate broke out in India, with Rahul Gandhi, Lok Sabha Leader of the Opposition reiterating that Modi is a ‘compromised PM’.

Lyng has reportedly contacted Gandhi for a telephonic interview to get his opinion on the PM’s visit to Norway.

On Wednesday morning, Lyng questioned the suspension of her accounts in Facebook and Instagram. “Would someone explain to how I got suspended of Instagram and Facebook? I am trying to understand if It was because of the two-step verification being misused by others than me or if there was something else. Also does anyone have advice on how I can secure my accounts if I get it back? (sic)” she has posted.

No official statement, however, has been issued by Meta for the suspension of Lyng’s social media accounts.