Norwegian journalist Helle Lyng, who questioned PM Modi, says her Instagram, Facebook accounts suspended

Lyng shared the development in a post on X, stating that she was unable to access either account and was uncertain about the reason for the suspension.

In her post, Lyng said she had been responding to messages from people in India when both accounts became inaccessible.

“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,” she wrote while tagging Meta Platforms.

She added that she did not know whether the suspension was linked to misuse of two-step verification or another issue.

Lyng also sought advice on how to secure her accounts if they are restored.

Lyng gained widespread attention after asking Modi why he was not taking “questions from the freest press in the world”.

She later posted a video of the exchange on X and referred to Norway’s top ranking on the World Press Freedom Index.

The journalist noted that India was ranked 157th and said journalists had a responsibility to question leaders with whom their countries cooperate.

The Embassy of India in Oslo responded to Lyng’s post and invited her to attend a press briefing on the Prime Minister’s visit at the Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel in Oslo.

The embassy said she would be welcome to ask her questions during the briefing.

At the briefing, Lyng asked why the Indian government should be trusted and whether it would address allegations of human rights violations.

She also asked whether the Prime Minister would begin taking critical questions from the Indian media.

Responding to her remarks, Sibi George, Secretary (West) in India’s Ministry of External Affairs, outlined India’s democratic structure and constitutional protections.

During the exchange, George asked Lyng not to interrupt him and said India’s Constitution guarantees fundamental rights and equal rights for women.

The interaction between Lyng and Indian officials generated widespread discussion on social media and drew significant attention both in India and abroad.

Lyng’s statement about the suspension of her Meta accounts has added a fresh development to the episode, though no official explanation for the suspension has been made public.