Norwegian Journalist’s Social Media accounts blocked for ‘grilling’ Modi on Press Freedom

ISLAMABAD – A Norwegian journalist found herself at center of an unexpected controversy after press freedom exchange involving Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit to Oslo. After her bold questions and criticism regarding media freedoms in India, Helle Lyng Svendsen claimed that her Facebook and Instagram accounts were suddenly suspended. The journalist said the timing of restriction raised concerns, as she was actively engaging with audiences and responding to messages at the time. The incident since sparked discussion online about press freedom, political scrutiny, and the role of social media platforms in moderating accounts linked to sensitive political debates. A political storm is brewing after a Norwegian journalist who openly questioned Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on press freedom reportedly had her social media accounts suddenly suspended. Hege Linge claims that her Facebook and Instagram accounts were blocked after she confronted Modi and senior Indian diplomats during his visit to Oslo over India’s alleged restrictions on press freedom. Linge said she directly raised tough questions about what she described as “anti–press freedom policies” in India during the high-profile diplomatic engagement. Shortly after this exchange, she alleges, Meta suspended her accounts on both platforms. In a message shared through alternative channels, the journalist informed her followers that she can no longer be contacted via Instagram or Facebook. “If you are trying to reach me through Instagram or Facebook, I want to inform you that I have been suspended from both accounts,” she said. She further explained that the suspension has disrupted her communication with readers and contacts, adding that she had been attempting to respond to a large number of messages, especially from people in India, but is now facing delays. “I was hoping to reply to as many Indians as possible, but my responses will now be delayed,” she said, expressing optimism that she