US journalist Raphael Satter has taken legal action against the Indian government after his Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card was canceled. This decision came following his critical reporting on a prominent Indian businessman. The OCI card, essential for visa-free travel, residency, and employment in India, was revoked without specifics from the Indian authorities, who claimed Satter's work adversely affected India's reputation. His case highlights the ongoing trend of politically motivated repression in India, affecting journalists and activists.
According to the letter sent to Satter in December 2023, his OCI status was revoked for his alleged practising of journalism without proper permission and for work that had been maliciously creating adverse and biased opinion against Indian institutions in the international arena.
The cancellation of his OCI status means he is no longer able to travel to India, where members of his family live.
Human Rights Watch has called a campaign of politically motivated repression against critics of the ruling BJP government.
Several high-profile journalists have been forced to leave the country after their OCI cards were revoked and academics have been turned away at the Indian border.
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