Meta suspends Norwegian journalist’s accounts after Modi press freedom question
Helle Lyng, a journalist working for Norwegian newspaper Dagsavisen, said her Instagram and Facebook accounts were suspended after her question to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi went viral. She claimed the action came days after the political controversy gained international attention. The incident has triggered fresh debate about media freedom and online platforms.
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. I have wanted to respond to as many Indians as possible, but my responses will now be delayed. I hope I will get my accounts back. @Meta
In a post on X, Lyng said, “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 further wrote that she hoped to regain access to her accounts soon.
Meta has not publicly explained why the accounts were disabled. The company has also not issued any official response regarding the journalist’s claims.
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
The controversy started during a joint appearance of Narendra Modi and Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre in Oslo. Both leaders had announced they would not take questions from reporters during the event.
As the leaders were leaving, Lyng called out, “Prime minister Modi, why don’t you take some questions from the freest press in the world?” Modi did not respond and continued walking out of the room.
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The moment quickly spread across social media platforms and sparked discussions in India and abroad. Many users debated press freedom, political accountability and Modi’s media approach.
Primeminister of India, Narendra Modi, would not take my question, I was not expecting him to.
Norway has the number one spot on the World Press Freedom Index, India is at 157th, competing with Palestine, Emirates & Cuba.
It is our job to question the powers we cooperate… pic.twitter.com/vZHYZnAvev
Narendra Modi has rarely taken direct questions from journalists during foreign visits. Reports noted that he has not held a traditional solo press conference since becoming India’s prime minister in 2014.
Later, Lyng defended her style of questioning during an interview with BBC Hindi. She said, “That’s how confrontational journalism works. You have to try to interrupt. You have to try to get more answers.”
The journalist also highlighted the difference between Norway and India in the World Press Freedom Index rankings. She said Norway holds the top position while India ranks at 157th place.
Would someone explain to how I got suspended of Instagram and Facebook? I am trying to understand if It was because of the two-step verification being misused by others than me or if there was something else.
Also does anyone have advice on how I can secure my accounts if I get…
The incident has now raised questions about freedom of expression and social media moderation policies. Online users are closely watching whether Meta restores the suspended accounts or issues an explanation.
The incident has created a strong reaction on social media and among journalists. Many people see it as a debate about press freedom and digital platform control. The timing of the suspension has also increased public curiosity. Meta’s response may become important in the coming days.
“Would someone explain to me how I got suspended from Instagram and Facebook? I am trying to understand if it was because of the two-step verification being misused by others than me or if there was something else,” she wrote.
“Also, does anyone have advice on how I can secure my accounts if I get it back?”
