Editorial | Macau must explain why it stopped journalists from entering
- Shutting out registered members of the media aiming to cover the 20th anniversary of handover celebrations casts a slur over their professionalism
The 20th anniversary celebrations of China’s resumption of sovereignty over Macau, including a visit from President Xi Jinping, has long been an event to watch on the media calendar. Amid political unrest in Hong Kong, the occasion has added interest here. Media organisations followed usual practice for such security-sensitive events by registering with the Macau government to send representatives to provide coverage.
The reason given was equally unexpected – that there were strong signs the journalists would engage in activities that would jeopardise safety and public order in Macau. This could not be true of the normal performance of their duties. Without an explanation, it was a generalised slur on their professionalism that rightly provoked strong reactions from their employers and media industry organisations.
The Hong Kong news executives’ and journalists’ associations issued strong statements of regret over the incidents, with calls for an explanation and respect for press freedom. This newspaper strongly supports their sentiments. A visit by the head of state to one of the two special administrative regions is a rare and extraordinary event that prompts stepped up security. But that should include safeguarding media access that serves legitimate public interest, not inhibiting it.
The celebrations are an event that resonates in Hong Kong and journalists have a responsibility to their readers to cover them. The Macau authorities need to explain how that raises security concerns that justify denial of entry, notwithstanding the principle of press freedom enshrined in the Basic Law of both cities. Without press freedom other rights are less protected against erosion.
