A recent ABC News documentary made serious allegations against the Modi government, highlighting the crackdown on journalists and minorities in India and internationally.
The documentary, directed by reporter Avani Dias, contains several claims that raise concerns about press freedom and human rights under the current Indian government.
JOURNALIST EXPULSIONS AND VISA DENIALS
Avani Dias reports that her efforts to pursue investigative journalism in India have been thwarted by the Modi government, which has resulted in her deportation and refusal to extend her visa.
A similar incident was reported, especially during the election, involving French journalist Vanessa Dugneck and several Al Jazeera journalists. Dias’ documentary shows the visa denial and deportation of foreign journalists critical of the Modi administration.
CENSORSHIP AND THREATS
The documentary highlights examples of censorship such as the removal of videos related to sensitive news such as the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
Dias claimed that the removal was ordered by the Indian government and that he received threats from Indian authorities after the removal. The Modi government has been accused of relentlessly cracking down on foreign journalists during its decade-long rule.
TARGETING OF MINORITIES
The documentary alleges systematic attacks against minority groups, particularly Sikhs and Muslims. It cited organizations like Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (HSS) for indoctrinating individuals to commit violence against these communities.
A case in point is the murder of Hardeep Singh Nagar in Canada and the attempted murder of Gurpatwant Singh Pannu in the US. Canadian and US investigative reports linked this incident to the Modi government.
INTERNATIONAL ESPIONAGE ALLEGATIONS
The report also stated that Indian intelligence officials tried to obtain secret defense technology in Australia, which led to the dismissal of four officers in 2020. The head of the Australian Security Intelligence Service indicated that these people had been exposed and deported.
