‘Pressured to depart’: French journalist Vanessa Dougnac leaves India after 25 years

French journalist Vanessa Dougnac, who served as a overseas correspondent in India for quite a few worldwide information retailers, introduced her departure from the nation following the federal government’s revocation of her Abroad Citizen of India (OCI) card, citing issues over her reporting.

In a press release, Dougnac expressed her reluctance to depart India, the place she had lived for 25 years, labored for 23 years, and thought of her dwelling. She highlighted that the choice was not hers however enforced by the Indian authorities.

The Foreigners Registration Workplace accused Dougnac of making a biased unfavourable notion of India by way of her reporting, alleging it might incite dysfunction. This transfer sparked solidarity from round 30 overseas correspondents, who penned an open letter urging Indian authorities to resolve Dougnac’s case with out disrupting her profession or household life.

Dougnac criticized the federal government’s actions as a part of a broader try to suppress dissent among the many OCI group, reaffirming her dedication to journalism regardless of recommendations to vary her occupation.

The Committee to Shield Journalists referred to as for the speedy reinstatement of Dougnac’s journalism allow and urged authorities to cease utilizing authorized ways to hinder journalists’ work.

Dougnac’s journalism allow was beforehand revoked in September 2022, prompting her to stop reporting from India at the moment. She coated varied subjects, together with human rights and home and worldwide politics, for publications corresponding to La Croix, Le Level, Le Temps, and Le Soir.

Reporters With out Borders condemned the Indian authorities’ strategies, describing them as indicative of the escalating persecution of journalists within the nation. At the least 4 OCI journalists have confronted work allow renewal refusals, with two opting to depart India, in line with RSF.