Norwegian journalist Hege Lang asked PM Modi questions regarding press freedom and human rights in Oslo, following which her social media accounts were suspended.
प्रधानमंत्री मोदी से सवाल से सवाल पूछने वाली नार्वे की पत्रकार हेली का सोशल मीडिया एक्स, फेसबुक और इंस्टाग्राम अकाउंट्स सस्पेंड
Norwegian journalist Heli Læng has garnered significant attention during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s tour of Europe. After questioning PM Modi in Oslo regarding press freedom and human rights, Heli claimed that her Facebook and Instagram accounts had been suspended.
What is the full story?
During a joint media briefing by the Prime Ministers of India and Norway in Oslo, just as the press meet was concluding, Heli Læng shouted from the back, asking: “Why do you not answer questions from the world’s freest press?”
Journalist addresses the Press Freedom Index
Citing India’s ranking at 157th place in the Press Freedom Index, Heli justified her line of questioning. In response, Siby George, Secretary at India’s Ministry of External Affairs, stated that individuals lacking comprehensive knowledge about India should refrain from raising such questions.
Social Media Trolling
Heli revealed that she faced severe online trolling following this incident. People dug up her past articles and reports concerning Chinese President Xi Jinping. Many users went so far as to label her a “foreign plant,” a “spy,” and even a “Chinese proxy.”
Social Media Accounts Suspended
Heli herself shared the news that her X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, and Instagram accounts had been suspended. She wrote: “This is a small price to pay for press freedom. I wanted to respond to as many Indians as possible, but now my social media accounts have been shut down. I hope Meta restores them soon.”
Massive Surge in Followers
Following this controversy, Heli’s popularity also skyrocketed. Prior to the incident, she had fewer than 800 followers on X; however, within just a few days, that number has surged past 45,000.
Ministry of External Affairs Responds to Heli’s Questions
Responding to Heli’s queries, India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) addressed the matter by organizing a press briefing. During the briefing, Heli posed questions to Siby George, Secretary (West) at the MEA, regarding human rights, democracy, and media freedom. He asked why the world should trust India, and whether Prime Minister Modi would answer critical questions.
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