Foreign Correspondents In India Express Concern Over Expulsion Of Vanessa Dougnac (image-twitter/RSF_inter)
The Foreign correspondents based in India expressed their concern over the issuing of notice to Vanessa Dougnac, the French journalist based in Delhi allegedly violating certain regulations. The issued notice warns of the impending withdrawal of her Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) status.
The correspondents’ statements state that if the decision is implemented, this would result in the expulsion of Vanessa from the country.
Open letter from foreign correspondents in India https://t.co/NQIi5WiOJN pic.twitter.com/qEYv2izdQ7
— Gerry Shih (@gerryshih) January 26, 2024
This concern was also earlier pointed out by French President Emmanuel Macron during his visit to India. But in response to the French authorities, India stated that the issue revolved around “compliance with the rules and regulations of the country”, adding that the matter was not associated with Dougnac’s journalism.
Residing in New Delhi since 2001, Dougnac works for the French media outlet Le Croix and writes in French. The notice emerged on Tuesday, reports Hindustan Times.
She is widely regarded as a senior journalist covering South Asia. Ever since the notice has been issued stating that it is due to her past reporting, the journalist has come forward denying the accusation of any breach of Indian law laid against her.
In the statement, they also mentioned that foreign correspondents in recent years are facing increased visa restrictions. “Our colleagues with OCI status have faced particular difficulty from new and often opaque administrative burdens, hampering their ability to work as journalists,” the statement read.
They concluded by requesting an immediate resolution to Dougnac’s case. “We request the Indian authorities to facilitate the vital work of a free press in line with India’s democratic tradition,” they added.
Meanwhile, the foreign secretary Vinay Kwatra has said that the foreign ministry has requested an explanation regarding the violation of rules and to justify why her OCI card should not be withdrawn.
The notice was granted to Vanessa on January 18 granting 15 days for her response.
