New Delhi: The controversy surrounding Norwegian journalist Helle Lyng and her remarks during Narendra Modi’s visit to Oslo has deepened after she claimed that her Instagram and Facebook accounts were suspended following the viral incident.
Lyng, a journalist with Norwegian newspaper Dagsavisen, had drawn attention after questioning why PM Modi does not take questions from what she described as “the world’s freest press.”
After the video circulated widely on social media, Lyng posted on X stating that both her Instagram and Facebook accounts had been suspended.
She wrote that she had wanted to respond to questions from Indian users on social media but would now face delays until access to her accounts was restored.
According to screenshots shared by the journalist, Meta suspended her Instagram account on May 19, 2026, while also providing her 180 days to appeal the action.
The exact reason behind the suspension has not yet been confirmed. However, Lyng described the incident as “a small price to pay for press freedom.”
The controversy further intensified during an official media briefing when Lyng reportedly questioned Indian officials regarding alleged human rights concerns and issues of trust involving India.
In response, Sibi George, Secretary (West) in India’s Ministry of External Affairs, gave a sharp rebuttal during the interaction.
