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May 22, 2026- India/Norway –
Norwegian journalist Helle Lyng has become the target of an intense online harassment and doxxing campaign after publicly criticizing Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for refusing to answer questions from journalists during an official visit to Norway, according to Reporters Without Borders. The press freedom organization said Lyng faced coordinated abuse, threats, and the publication of personal information online following the incident in Oslo.
Lyng, a reporter for the Norwegian newspaper Dagsavisen, attended a joint appearance on May 18 involving Modi and Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre. According to RSF, both leaders had announced beforehand that they would not take media questions. As the event concluded, Lyng asked Modi why he would not answer questions from “the freest press in the world.” Modi reportedly left without responding.
The exchange quickly spread across social media and triggered strong reactions online. RSF stated that Lyng was subsequently subjected to cyber harassment, misogynistic abuse, accusations of espionage, and coordinated trolling campaigns. The organization also said her Instagram account was blocked shortly after the incident, further escalating concerns surrounding digital intimidation targeting journalists.
The incident fueled renewed international discussion over press freedom in India and Modi’s long-standing reluctance to engage in unscripted press conferences. Multiple international reports noted that Modi has rarely answered direct media questions during his years in office and has not held a formal press conference in India since becoming prime minister in 2014.
RSF called on Indian authorities and social media platforms to intervene against the harassment campaign and restore Lyng’s social media access. The organization argued that attacks targeting journalists for asking legitimate questions represent a serious threat to press freedom and democratic accountability.
The controversy also sparked broader debate online regarding the treatment of journalists critical of the Indian government. International observers, opposition figures, and press freedom advocates pointed to growing concerns about online intimidation, censorship, and hostility toward independent media in India.
Supporters of the Indian government defended Modi and accused Western media outlets of bias and political targeting. At the same time, critics argued the backlash against Lyng reflected an increasingly hostile environment for journalists asking difficult questions about democracy, human rights, and freedom of expression in India.
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