French journalist facing notice over ‘malicious reporting’ leaves India: ‘Came 25 years go, call my home’ | India News

In a statement Friday evening, Dougnac said, “Last month, I was sent a notice that accused me and my articles of being ‘malicious’, of harming ‘the interests of the sovereignty and integrity of India’ and required me to respond to why my OCI card should not be cancelled. The notice further claimed that my articles could ‘provoke disorder and disturb peace’.”

“I am writing these words in tears,” she said. “Today, I am leaving India, the country where I came 25 years ago as a student, and where I have worked for 23 years as a journalist. The place where I married, raised my son, and which I call my home.” Leaving is not my choice, she said, adding, “I am being forced to leave by the Government of India.”

“Sixteen months ago, the Ministry of Home Affairs denied my right to work as a journalist, providing no reasons nor justifications, and no hearing,” she said in her statement.

“Since then, the Ministry has not once responded to my repeated requests for explanations or review of this arbitrary action… Today, I am unable to work and have been unfairly accused of prejudicing the interests of the state. It has become clear that I cannot keep living in India and earning my livelihood. I am fighting these accusations before the competent forums and I have full faith in the legal process. But I can’t afford to wait for its outcome,” she said, adding that she hopes to come back to India one day.

“The proceedings with respect to my OCI status have shattered me, especially now that I see them as part of a wider effort by the Government of India to curb dissent from the OCI community,” Dougnac said.

She said the authorities had earlier suggested she change her profession. “But I am a journalist, a profession that I hold dear to my heart, and I cannot agree to give it up because of unproven accusations,” she said.

In fact, France had raised the Dougnac issue with India during President Emmanuel Macron’s visit last month for the Republic Day celebrations.

India had conveyed to the French side that the issue was about “compliance with the rules and regulations of the country”, indicating that it was not related to her journalism.

“This has been brought to our attention by the French side both prior to the visit (of President Macron) and during the visit,” Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra had said, adding that the matter was being handled by the relevant government department.

The FRRO that operates under the Union Home Ministry had issued notice to Dougnac, asking her to explain why her OCI card should not be withdrawn, and giving her time until February 2 to respond.