Hong Kong Denies Entry to Reporters Without Borders Representative
Reporters Without Borders (RSF) faced a setback as one of its representatives was denied entry to Hong Kong on Wednesday. Aleksandra Bielakowska, an advocacy officer based in Taipei, was detained for six hours at the Hong Kong International Airport before being expelled without explanation.
The incident marked the first time a representative of Reporters Without Borders had been denied entry or detained in Hong Kong. Rebecca Vincent, the organization's director of campaigns, condemned the treatment of Bielakowska, emphasizing that she was simply attempting to carry out her duties.
“We are appalled by this unacceptable treatment of our colleague, who was simply trying to do her job,” Vincent said.
Bielakowska, a Polish national, had traveled with her colleague Cédric Alviani, the Asia-Pacific bureau director of Reporters Without Borders. While Alviani was allowed to enter Hong Kong without any issues, Bielakowska was subjected to questioning and multiple searches of her belongings before being expelled.
The purpose of their visit was to meet with journalists and monitor the national security trial of media executive Jimmy Lai, a vocal critic of the government and the owner of the now-closed Apple Daily newspaper. The incident occurred against the backdrop of new national security laws introduced in Hong Kong, which have raised concerns about press freedom and the treatment of journalists.
The new legislation, known as Article 23 laws, targets foreign interference and poses risks for journalists critical of the government. It comes four years after China imposed its own national security law on Hong Kong following pro-democracy protests, leading to the closure of independent media organizations and the stifling of dissent.
The trial of senior editors from Stand News, accused of publishing seditious material, highlights the challenges faced by media outlets in Hong Kong. Additionally, Radio Free Asia recently closed its office in Hong Kong due to concerns about the Article 23 laws, further underscoring the deteriorating press freedom environment in the city.
