French journalist Vanessa Dougnac, who served as a foreign correspondent in India for numerous international news outlets, announced her departure from the country following the government’s revocation of her Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card, citing concerns over her reporting.
In a statement, Dougnac expressed her reluctance to leave India, where she had lived for 25 years, worked for 23 years, and considered her home. She highlighted that the decision was not hers but enforced by the Indian government.
The Foreigners Registration Office accused Dougnac of creating a biased negative perception of India through her reporting, alleging it could incite disorder. This move sparked solidarity from around 30 foreign correspondents, who penned an open letter urging Indian authorities to resolve Dougnac’s case without disrupting her career or family life.
Dougnac criticized the government’s actions as part of a broader attempt to suppress dissent among the OCI community, reaffirming her commitment to journalism despite suggestions to change her profession.
The Committee to Protect Journalists called for the immediate reinstatement of Dougnac’s journalism permit and urged authorities to stop using legal tactics to hinder journalists’ work.
Dougnac’s journalism permit was previously revoked in September 2022, prompting her to cease reporting from India at that time. She covered various topics, including human rights and domestic and international politics, for publications such as La Croix, Le Point, Le Temps, and Le Soir.
Reporters Without Borders condemned the Indian authorities’ methods, describing them as indicative of the escalating persecution of journalists in the country. At least four OCI journalists have faced work permit renewal refusals, with two opting to leave India, according to RSF.