NORWEGIAN JOURNALIST HELLE LYNG CLAIMS SOCIAL MEDIA BAN AFTER QUESTIONING INDIA’S MODI

Thu 21 May 2026:

Helle Lyng, an Oslo-based journalist who gained attention for grilling Indian PM Narendra Modi during his May 18 visit to Norway, says Facebook and Instagram have suspended her accounts.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Wednesday, Lyng revealed she had been struggling to log into her Instagram account throughout the day and was eventually suspended. She also confirmed the suspension of her Facebook account. “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, tagging Meta.

Throughout all day I have struggled to log onto my Instagram account. Now I have been suspended. It is a small prize to pay for press freedom, but I’ve never experienced it before. pic.twitter.com/XCitS65Rlg

— Helle Lyng (@HelleLyngSvends) May 19, 2026

Lyng described the suspension as “a small price to pay for press freedom,” noting it was her first such experience. She expressed uncertainty over the cause, wondering if it resulted from misuse of two-step verification or other reasons, and sought advice on securing her accounts if restored. She mentioned being unable to promptly respond to messages from many Indians due to the restrictions.

The journalist gained significant attention for confronting PM Modi on alleged human rights issues in India during his European tour stop in Oslo. She had previously questioned India’s Ministry of External Affairs on why the Prime Minister does not hold press conferences either domestically or abroad.

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In a separate video, Lyng asked Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre why Norway describes India as a democracy when Modi has not held a press conference in 12 years. Støre reportedly highlighted India’s elections while acknowledging differences in press culture, citing the country’s large population. Lyng defended her actions by noting Norway’s top ranking on the World Press Freedom Index compared to India’s 157th position.

The Indian Embassy in Norway responded directly on X, stating they had organised a press briefing for Modi’s visit at a Radisson Hotel and that Lyng was “most welcome to come and ask” her questions there.

SOURCE: INDEPENDENT PRESS AND NEWS AGENCIES

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