‘Hope It Will Be Restored’: Norwegian Journalist Claims Her Instagram, Facebook Accounts Suspended

Norwegian journalist Helle Lyng, who is at the centre of a political controversy after attempting to question Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit to Norway, claimed that Meta has suspended her Instagram and Facebook accounts amid a wave of online backlash.

Taking to X, Lyng said that she was not able to access her Instagram account the entire day, after which it was suspended.

“It is a small price to pay for press freedom, but I’ve never experienced it before,” Lyng said, while posting a screenshot of the alleged suspension notice.

Throughout all day I have struggled to log onto my Instagram account. Now I have been suspended. It is a small prize to pay for press freedom, but I’ve never experienced it before. pic.twitter.com/XCitS65Rlg

— Helle Lyng (@HelleLyngSvends) May 19, 2026

In the next post, the journalist informed her followers that her responses on both Meta-owned platforms, Instagram and Facebook, will be delayed because of the suspension. She added that she hoped her accounts would be back soon.

If you’re trying to reach me on Instagram or Facebook, I would like to let you know I have been suspended from both accounts. I have wanted to respond to as many Indians as possible, but my responses will now be delayed. I hope I will get my accounts back. @Meta

— Helle Lyng (@HelleLyngSvends) May 19, 2026

“I have wanted to respond to as many Indians as possible, but my responses will now be delayed. I hope I will get my accounts back,” she wrote on X and tagged Meta in the post.

What Is The Controversy?

The row erupted after Norwegian journalist Lyng tried to pose a question to PM Modi during a joint media appearance alongside Norway’s prime minister.

Also Read: Who Is Helle Lyng? Norwegian Journalist Who Questioned PM Modi At Oslo Joint Presser

As Modi exited the venue, she called out, “Why don’t you take some questions from the freest press in the world?” Though there was no indication that the Prime Minister responded or heard the remark, clips of the moment rapidly spread online.

Lyng later addressed the incident on X, saying she had never expected Modi to answer. Citing the World Press Freedom Index, she pointed out that Norway ranks first while India stands at 157. The journalist is associated with the Oslo-based daily Dagsavisen as a commentator.

Later in the day, the Indian Embassy in Norway invited Lyng to a separate media briefing, where she once again questioned India’s democratic credentials and raised concerns related to human rights.

How Did MEA Respond To Journalist’s Questions?

MEA Secretary (West) Sibi George firmly pushed back against criticism of India, defending the country’s democratic institutions, constitutional values and human rights record during the interaction.

Also Read: ‘People Read Reports By Ignorant NGOs, Then Ask Questions’: MEA Hits Back Over Press Freedom Query

George rejected concerns surrounding press freedom and human rights in India, while arguing that many international critics form opinions based on selective accounts and reports produced by what he described as “ignorant NGOs” that fail to grasp India’s complexity and diversity.

“We have a constitution which guarantees the rights of the people, fundamental rights of the people,” George said, adding that India has “equal rights for the women of our country.”

“India is a country which believes in the rule of law. We have always been following rules wherever it is. We play by the book. That is India’s reputation,” he added.

Norwegian Journalist Faces Backlash On Social Media

The controversy also triggered intense reactions online, with several social media users targeting Norwegian journalist Lyng and accusing her of acting with ulterior motives.

Some labelled her a “foreign plant”, “spy” or even a “Chinese proxy”, pointing to her previous writings on China and President Xi Jinping.

Others, however, noted that the event in question was a joint media interaction and not a conventional press conference with an open Q&A session.

Replying to the heavy criticism, Lyng wrote on X, “I never thought I would have to write this, but I am not a foreign spy of any sort, sent out by any foreign government. My work is journalism.”