Canada stooped further low after it banned prominent news outlet Australia Today for airing India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar’s press conference. Hours after being banned, the news provider, on Friday, said it remains “undeterred by these obstacles” and will be committed to transparency and free press.
“We remain steadfast in our mission to bring important stories and voices to the public, undeterred by these obstacles,” Jitarth Jai Bharadwaj, Managing Editor of Australia Today said in a statement.
Bharadwaj further said, “The overwhelming support we have received is a powerful reminder of the importance of free press, and we will continue to strive for transparency, accuracy, and the right to tell stories that matter”.
Canada on Thursday banned Australia Today within hours after it aired Jaishankar’s press conference in Canberra, where he spoke about the India-Canada diplomatic standoff and also specifically criticised the Trudeau government for allowing Khalistani extremist forces to operate freely in Canada.
Australia Today focuses on news and analytical pieces related to the Indian community residing in Australia and across the world.
India strongly reacted saying that it was surprised by Canada’s move to ban Australia Today and highlighted Trudeau-led government’s “hypocrisy” towards freedom of speech.
“We understand that the social media handles, pages of this particular outlet, which is an important diaspora outlet, has been blocked and are not available for viewers in Canada. This happened just an hour or few hours after this particular handle carried the press conference of EAM Dr S Jaishankar with Penny Wong… We were surprised. It looks strange to us,” MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said on Thursday.
“But nonetheless, what I will say that these are actions which yet again highlight the hypocrisy of Canada towards freedom of speech,” Jaiswal added.
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Jaishankar condemned the recent attack on Hindu Sabha Temple in Canada’s Brampton by some pro-Khalistanis and said it was “deeply concerning”.
He further said that Canada has developed a pattern of making allegations against India without providing any proof.
“Canada has developed a pattern of making allegations without providing specifics,” Jaishankar said after the conclusion of the 15th India-Australia Foreign Ministers’ Framework Dialogue.
Jaishankar also hinted that India-Canada diplomatic ties touched a new low dur to violent separatist activities. “The political space today, which is being given to extremists forces,” he emphasised.
The EAM also said that it was “unacceptable” that Indian diplomats had been placed under surveillance by Canada.
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“When we look at Canada, for us, the fact that they are putting diplomats under surveillance is something which is unacceptable,” Jaishankar said.
Meanwhile, MEA spokesperson on Thursday said: “You would have seen that the External Affairs Minister, in his media engagements, spoke about three things. One was Canada making allegations and a pattern had developed without any specific evidence. The second thing he highlighted was surveillance of Indian diplomats happening in Canada, which he termed as unacceptable.”
“The third thing which he highlighted was the political space which has been given in Canada to anti-India elements. So you can draw your conclusions from that, why Australia Today channel was blocked by Canada,” he further said.
Meanwhile, Australia Today, said in a statement: “The recent restriction and ban on our interview with Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and the press conference with Australian Foreign Minister Senator Wong on social media, under orders from the Canadian government, have been difficult for our team and those who value free and open journalism”.
It also acknowledged the “unwavering support” it received after the ban and said, “Despite these restrictions, your unwavering support has been a beacon of strength for us. Whether it was sharing our coverage on other platforms, voicing concerns about Press Freedom, or simply offering encouragement, every action made a difference”.
Over the recent days, there have been a lot of incidents which have been adding to the already historically low bilateral relations between India and Canada. It all started when Trudeau last year alleged New Delhi’s involvement in the murder of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
With inputs from agencies.
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Banned by Canada for airing Jaishankar’s press meet, Australia Today says, ‘undeterred by obstacles’
