Sebastien Farcis, a French journalist with 13 years of experience in India, was forced to leave the country after the Ministry of Home Affairs refused to renew his journalist permit. Farcis claims the denial was without justification and considers it a form of censorship, especially as it came on the eve of the Indian general elections. He is the second French journalist to be forced out in the past four months, highlighting concerns about press freedom in India.
Avani Dias, South Asia Bureau Chief for Australian broadcasting firm ABC News, claims she was forced to leave India after her visa extension was denied. However, government sources refute her claims, stating that Dias left for personal reasons. Dias alleges that she was informed her reporting had “crossed a line” and was prevented from covering the Lok Sabha elections. She also claims that her documentary on the killing of Canadian Khalistani leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar and her podcast “Looking for Modi” were not favorably received by the government. Despite these allegations, media reports indicate that Dias was granted a two-month visa extension before her departure. A group of foreign journalists in India has expressed concerns over Dias’ treatment and the restrictions faced by foreign journalists in the country.
