New York: A prominent writers group in the US has said the Indian government's decision to ban the BBC documentary on the Delhi gangrape incident has "backfired" as attempts to suppress the film have given rise to a broader debate on issues of women's rights and freedom of expression.

PEN American Center said the Indian government's censorship of the documentary 'Storyville: India's daughter' is a "worrying attempt" to restrict free expression on a key issue in the public interest.