India’s government accused of targeting foreign reporters who have ‘crossed the line’
- A Sri Lankan Australian reporter says her work visa was not extended after she reported on the killing of Sikh separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar
- Media advocates have urged New Delhi to ‘cease using visa regulations as a tool of repression’ against reporters
Avani Dias, South Asia correspondent for the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC), was busy with work when she received a call last month from the Indian Ministry of External Affairs telling her that her routine visa extension would be denied.
The Australian was told on March 27 that her most recent online news episode had “crossed a line”.
Dias’ experience, and that of French journalist Vanessa Dougnac recently, has raised concerns that India was targeting the media for certain reports that crossed the authorities.
At least 30 foreign journalists wrote an open letter on Tuesday protesting against what they saw as increased restrictions on visas and journalism permits, insisting that Dias’ case was a “cause for concern” and calling on Delhi to “facilitate the vital work of a free press in line with India’s democratic traditions”.
This Week in Asia was directed to Dias’ recorded statements and clips when the journalist, who declined to comment again on her experience, was approached.