Daijiworld Media Network - Oslo/New Delhi
Oslo/New Delhi, May 21: Norwegian journalist Helle Lyng has claimed that her Instagram and Facebook accounts were suspended shortly after a viral exchange involving Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his recent visit to Norway.
Lyng, a reporter with Oslo-based newspaper Dagsavisen, drew international attention after attempting to question Modi during a joint media appearance with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre in Oslo earlier this week. A video of the incident quickly went viral on social media platforms.
In the widely circulated clip, Lyng was heard asking Modi why he does not take questions from ‘the freest press in the world’. The Indian Prime Minister did not respond to the question and exited the venue, triggering widespread debate online over press freedom and media access.
A day later, Lyng stated on X that she had lost access to both her Instagram and Facebook accounts, which are owned by Meta Platforms. She shared screenshots allegedly showing suspension notices and said she was unsure whether the issue was related to account security or other reasons.
“If you’re trying to reach me on Instagram or Facebook, I would like to let you know I have been suspended from both accounts,” Lyng wrote on X, adding that she hoped to regain access soon. She also described the suspension as “a small price to pay for press freedom.”
The controversy intensified after the Indian Embassy in Norway reportedly invited Lyng to a press briefing addressed by senior Indian diplomat Sibi George, where discussions reportedly centred around India’s democratic framework and media environment.
The incident has sparked intense reactions on social media, with supporters of Lyng raising concerns about freedom of expression and digital platform moderation, while others accused the journalist of politicising the event. Online discussions on Reddit and X reflected sharply divided opinions over the episode.
As of now, neither Meta nor Indian authorities have officially confirmed the reason behind the suspension of Lyng’s accounts.