Hong Kong denies entry to press freedom advocate

A representative of Reporters Without Borders was deported from Hong Kong upon arrival Wednesday, the press freedom advocacy group said.

HONG KONG — A representative of Reporters Without Borders was deported from Hong Kong upon arrival Wednesday, the advocacy group said, in what it called a “new decline” in press freedom in the Chinese territory.

Aleksandra Bielakowska, an advocacy officer for Reporters Without Borders who is based in Taiwan, was detained for six hours at Hong Kong International Airport, the Paris-based group said in a statement. She was questioned and her belongings were searched three times before she was deported without explanation.

Reporters Without Borders said it was the first time any of its representatives had been denied entry or detained at the Hong Kong airport.

“We are appalled by this unacceptable treatment of our colleague, who was simply trying to do her job,” said Rebecca Vincent, the group’s director of campaigns.

The Hong Kong government did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/hong-kong-denies-entry-press-freedom-advocate-rcna147316

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