Journalist Rana Ayyub, a columnist for the Washington Post, was stopped from flying to Europe. According to ‘The Guardian’, Rana was not allowed to board a flight at Mumbai airport on Tuesday. She was travelling to London to address a conference at the International Centre for Journalists.
Outspoken Critic
Rana Ayyub, is a young Indian journalist, an outspoken critic of the Narendra Modi led BJP government. Apparently, she has been prevented from flying to Europe to stop her from speaking at a conference. She was invited to deliver a speech about intimidation of journalists and rights in the world’s largest democracy.
Rana tweeted “I was stopped today at the Indian immigration while I was about to board my flight to London to deliver my speech on the intimidation of journalists with @ICFJ. I was to travel to Italy right after to deliver the keynote address at the @jounalismfest on the Indian democracy”.
I was stopped today at the Indian immigration while I was about to board my flight to London to deliver my speech on the intimidation of journalists with @ICFJ . I was to travel to Italy right after to deliver the keynote address at the @journalismfest on the Indian democracy
— Rana Ayyub (@RanaAyyub) March 29, 2022
Enforcement Directorate
However, according to Rana Ayyub, she updated her planned trips on social media, well in advance. However, the Enforcement Directorate issued summons to her, in the last minute. The summons reached her when she was already at the airport.
Right Wing Attack
The right wing Hindu groups attacked this young journalist because of her outspoken journalism. In her book, Gujarat Files, she accuses Modi of being complicit during the atrocities against Muslims in 2002.
Modi was the Chief Minister of Gujarat then. Furthermore, UN rights experts called on the government to stop “misogynistic and sectarian” online attacks on her. This irked the government more against her.
Allegations against Rana Ayyub
The Enforcement Directorate alleged that she misused public donations collected for humanitarian relief work. It alleged that she used funds for her personal use. Moreover, they alleged that she submitted fake bills to claim expenses.
Consequently, the Directorate froze more than 15 million rupees in her accounts. However, she denied all the allegations.
