Macau denies entry to Hong Kong journalism lecturer over ‘public security’ concerns
- Macau Journalists Association accuses local authorities of ‘abusing the law’ over decision to bar CUHK’s Vivian Tam from entering city
Macau has denied entry to a Hong Kong journalism lecturer who was travelling to the casino hub to host a news writing workshop on the grounds that she planned to take part in activities that might “jeopardise public security or public order”.
But the Macau Journalists Association accused local authorities of “abusing the law” based on “one-sided speculation” over their decision to deny the Chinese University of Hong Kong’s Vivian Tam Wai-wan entry to the city.
Tam, who teaches at the institution’s journalism school, was barred from crossing the border at around 11.40am after reaching Macau’s Outer Harbour Ferry Terminal, the association said.
She returned to Hong Kong on a ferry that departed from Macau at 1.30pm.
The journalism group issued a statement expressing its “extreme regret and strong protest” over the decision.
The association also said it was “absurd” for local authorities to claim “there were strong references” that Tam intended to “participate in certain activities that might jeopardise public security or public order”.
“The authorities are abusing their power based on one-sided speculation with unbelievable law enforcement standards, seriously affecting normal professional exchange activities in the community,” it said.
