Canada Blocks 'Australia-Today' Outlet After Coverage Of S.Jaishankar's Press Meet: MEA

NEW DELHI: The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Thursday said that Canada had banned the social media accounts of "Australia Today," a prominent diaspora outlet, just hours after it aired a press conference featuring India's Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar and his Australian counterpart, Penny Wong. During the press conference, Jaishankar reiterated India's position on Canada's baseless allegations, stating that they lacked concrete evidence.

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal criticized Canada for its "hypocrisy towards freedom of speech," pointing out that Jaishankar had raised concerns over Canada’s political environment. Specifically, he mentioned the growing influence of "anti-India elements" in Canada. This comes amid rising tensions, including a recent attack on a Hindu temple in Brampton, which drew strong reactions from both Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

Jaiswal explained that the social media pages of Australia Today were blocked shortly after they aired the press conference. "This happened just an hour or so after the press conference was broadcasted, and it once again highlights the hypocrisy of Canada when it comes to freedom of speech," he said.

During the press conference, Jaishankar made three key points regarding Canada's actions. First, he criticized the country for making repeated allegations without providing any evidence. Second, he condemned the surveillance of Indian diplomats in Canada, calling it unacceptable. Third, he pointed out that Canada was offering political space to anti-India groups. Jaiswal suggested that these points could explain why Canada decided to block Australia Today’s channel.

Meanwhile, Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong addressed the allegations against Indian diplomats, particularly those concerning violent attacks on Sikh leaders in Canada. She reiterated her country’s respect for Canada's judicial process and emphasized the importance of the rule of law, the independence of the judiciary, and the sovereignty of all nations.

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