Reporters Without Borders rep. denied entry to HK, NGO says
A representative for Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has been denied entry to Hong Kong, the French free expression NGO has said, after she was detained, searched and questioned for six hours at the airport on Wednesday.
“This action by the Hong Kong authorities, unprecedented for RSF, marks a new decline in the already poor press freedom climate in the territory,” it said in a statement following the incident.
Taipei-based Advocacy Officer Aleksandra Bielakowska was searched three times, and questioned by immigration officials, for six hours at the city’s international airport, it said. She was then deported.
It is the first time an RSF staffer has been denied entry to the territory.
Press freedom rankings
Hong Kong has plummeted in international press freedom indices since the onset of the security law. Watchdogs cite the arrest of journalists, raids on newsrooms and the closure of around 10 media outlets including Apple Daily, Stand News and Citizen News. Over 1,000 journalists have lost their jobs, whilst many have emigrated. Meanwhile, the city’s government-funded broadcaster RTHK has adopted new editorial guidelines, purged its archives and axed news and satirical shows.
See also: Explainer: Hong Kong’s press freedom under the national security law
In 2022, Chief Executive John Lee said press freedom was “in the pocket” of Hongkongers but “nobody is above the law.” Although he has told the press to “tell a good Hong Kong story,” government departments have been reluctant to respond to story pitches.
Related articles
Hollywood star Shia LaBeouf is spotted on the streets of Gavin and Stacey's hometown Barry
Hollywood star Shia LaBeouf has shocked onlookers after being spotted on the streets of Barry in Wal2024-05-21China’s advantage in green manufacturing is blessing for climate action
By Wen Sheng (Global Times) 15:56, April 07, 2024Illustration: Liu Xiangya/Global TimesUS Treasury S2024-05-21New air route links Changsha, Mongolia
CHANGSHA, April 9 (Xinhua) -- A new international air route linking Changsha, capital of central Chi2024-05-21Roadside drug testing still a priority for government
File pic Photo: Supplied / Drug Detection Agency2024-05-21- Israel’s defense minister said Monday the military would expand its operations in the southern Gaza2024-05-21
Commentary: Hyping up China's industrial capacity, an ill logic leading nowhere
(Xinhua) 15:42, April 11, 2024BEIJING, April 11 (Xinhua) -- Of late, the false proposition targeting2024-05-21
atest comment