French journalist Vanessa Dougnac has left India after working there for 23 years as a correspondent for several French-language publications.
– The Indian government accused her of malicious and critical reporting that was inimical to national interests and decided to cancel her Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card.
– Dougnac denied the allegations and said she was unable to work and unfairly accused of prejudicing the interests of the state.
– She said leaving India was not her choice and that she considered India her home.
– Dougnac had reported on various sensitive topics, such as the Maoist Naxalite insurgency in rural India.
– Her case was raised by France before and during the visit of French President Emmanuel Macron to India in January 2024.
– Her departure is seen as a sign of the declining press freedom in India, which has fallen 21 places to 161 out of 180 countries in the World Press Index after 2014.
Anca Nicole
South Asia Volunteer
Voice of the People International