Indian Government Blocks Journalist Azad Essa's X Account

The Indian government has blocked the X account of Azad Essa, a US-based South African journalist and senior reporter for Middle East Eye, as per a notification he received from the social media platform. Essa was informed on February 20, 2023, that his account was withheld in India following a government order citing Section 69A of the Information Technology Act, 2000. The email from "X Support" stated that Indian law required the platform to restrict access to Essa's account within the country, although it remains accessible elsewhere.

Middle East Eye

Essa's reporting primarily focuses on India-Israel relations and the Kashmir conflict. He has faced sustained harassment linked to his journalism, which he attributes to the increasing tensions surrounding these topics. Essa's recent book, *Hostile Homelands: The New Alliance Between India and Israel*, explores these dynamics further. The blocking of his account is viewed as part of a broader trend of censorship against journalists in India, particularly those who report on sensitive geopolitical issues.

TRT World

In response to the blocking order, Essa expressed confusion over the lack of explanation from the Indian government. He stated, "I don't know why the Indian government ordered X to block my account in India. I can only guess that it is related to my reportage on India-Israel relations and Kashmir." Essa criticized X for its role in suppressing free speech, asserting that the platform's actions demonstrate a willingness to censor journalists without justification.

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Essa's situation has drawn attention to the broader issue of media censorship in India. He remarked, "This incident once more shows how complicit X is in restricting journalism while promoting itself as a bastion of free speech." Critics argue that the Indian government's actions reflect a pattern of curtailing journalistic freedom, particularly against those who challenge the ruling party's narratives.

Middle East Eye

While the Indian Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology has denied requesting bans on international news organizations, the frequency of takedown requests from the government raises questions about the extent of censorship. In May 2023, X reportedly received 8,000 takedown requests from Indian authorities, including requests targeting prominent Pakistani journalists.

Middle East Eye

As India strengthens its ties with Israel, the implications for journalists reporting on these relationships remain concerning. Essa's case highlights the risks faced by journalists in India, particularly in the context of rising nationalism and anti-Muslim rhetoric. The upcoming visit of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Israel is expected to further solidify these alliances, potentially leading to increased scrutiny and restrictions on dissenting voices in the media.

Middle East Eye

• “I can only guess that it is related to my reportage on India-Israel relations and Kashmir," he said.” — Azad Essa, Journalist

TRT World

• “That X would just arbitrarily block or withhold accounts on their platform without even asking for a reason demonstrates how willing it is to suppress free speech and censor journalists,” — Azad Essa, Journalist

TRT World

• “But this incident once more shows how complicit X is in restricting journalism while promoting itself as a bastion of free speech,” — Azad Essa, Journalist

Middle East Eye