News Brief
US Rebukes Pakistani Reporter's Queries On Australian Journalist's Claims Regarding Indian Elections Coverage
Nayan Dwivedi
Apr 26, 2024, 10:53 AM | Updated 10:52 AM IST
Save & read from anywhere!
Bookmark stories for easy access on any device or the Swarajya app.
In response to a Pakistani reporter's inquiry about allegations of denial of visa renewal to Australian journalist Avani Dias for covering the 2024 Lok Sabha polls, the US State Department Principal Deputy Spokesperson Vedant Patel rebuked the questions, stating that India determines its visa policy for non-citizens.
"The Government of India can speak to its own visa policy. That's not something I'm going to opine on from here," Patel asserted during the press briefing as reported by NDTV.
Highlighting the significance of a free press in democracy, Patel reiterated the US stance on the integral role of media freedom.
"Broadly, we have been clear with countries around the world about the integral role that a free press plays in the fabric of democracy," he stated.
Meanwhile, Dias claimed that she was not permitted to cover the Indian general elections and was compelled to leave the country.
Also multiple reports contested her claims, labeling them as "not correct, misleading, and mischievous."
However, Dias was assured that her visa would be extended for election coverage, with reports emphasizing that visa-holder journalists are allowed to cover election activities outside booths.
Regarding the alleged assassination plot of Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, Patel denied making any remarks.
He said, "I'm not aware of the report that you're referencing. This is ultimately a Department of Justice matter and I will defer to them and let them speak to this."
Earlier, an Indian national, Nikhil Gupta was charged with the murder-for-hire of Pannun.
Also Read: Lok Sabha Elections 2024: 12.24 Per Cent Voter Turnout Recorded Till 9.00 AM In Second Phase Polling
Save & read from anywhere!
Bookmark stories for easy access on any device or the Swarajya app.
Nayan Dwivedi is Staff Writer at Swarajya.
Support Swarajya's 50 Ground Reports Project & Sponsor A Story
Every general election Swarajya does a 50 ground reports project.
Aimed only at serious readers and those who appreciate the nuances of political undercurrents, the project provides a sense of India's electoral landscape. As you know, these reports are produced after considerable investment of travel, time and effort on the ground.
This time too we've kicked off the project in style and have covered over 30 constituencies already. If you're someone who appreciates such work and have enjoyed our coverage please consider sponsoring a ground report for just Rs 2999 to Rs 19,999 - it goes a long way in helping us produce more quality reportage.
You can also back this project by becoming a subscriber for as little as Rs 999 - so do click on this links and choose a plan that suits you and back us.
Click below to contribute.