Reporters Without Borders (RSF) reported that one of its representatives, Aleksandra Bielakowska, was denied entry into Hong Kong, describing it as a further decline in the city’s press freedoms. Bielakowska, who is based in Taipei, was stopped at the airport by immigration officers, detained, questioned, and had her belongings searched multiple times before being denied entry. The RSF was planning to meet journalists and attend a hearing at the trial of media tycoon Jimmy Lai, who is facing national security charges. The Immigration Department did not provide any comment on the incident.
Rebecca Vincent, RSF’s director of campaigns, expressed concern over the blatant efforts by Hong Kong authorities to avoid scrutiny of court proceedings. Since the 2019 anti-government protests, Hong Kong has witnessed a major crackdown on dissent, leading to the arrest and charging of numerous pro-democracy activists. The implementation of a new national security law by Beijing has resulted in changes to electoral laws, ensuring that only individuals loyal to Beijing can run for office. Additionally, police have frozen assets and raided the newsrooms of pro-democracy media outlets, ultimately forcing them to cease operations.
Amidst these developments, two former Stand News editors are awaiting a verdict in their case after being charged under a colonial-era sedition law. In March, Radio Free Asia announced the closure of its Hong Kong bureau due to safety concerns arising from the national security law. Hong Kong, once considered a hub of media freedom in Asia, has witnessed a decline in press freedom rankings. RSF’s World Press Freedom Index currently ranks the city 140th out of 180 countries, a significant drop from its 18th position in 2002.
The situation in Hong Kong reflects a broader trend of deteriorating press freedom in the region, with government actions increasingly stifling independent journalism and free speech. The crackdown on dissent and the targeting of media outlets critical of the government have raised concerns about the future of press freedom in the semi-autonomous city. International organizations and human rights groups have criticized the authorities in Hong Kong for their infringement on press freedoms and called for greater protection of journalists and media organizations operating in the city.
The denial of entry to RSF’s representative underscores the challenges faced by journalists and media organizations in Hong Kong, as they navigate an increasingly hostile environment for independent reporting. The incident highlights the need for greater international scrutiny and support for press freedom in the city, as well as the importance of defending the rights of journalists to report freely and without fear of reprisal. As Hong Kong continues to face restrictions on press freedom and freedom of expression, it is essential for the international community to monitor the situation closely and advocate for the protection of these fundamental rights.
