Hong Kong authorities deny visa to Economist journalist

HONG KONG — Hong Kong authorities declined to renew a visa for a overseas writer moving for The Economist without immoderate explanation, the mag said successful a connection connected Friday.

Sue-Lin Wong, who is Australian, was based successful Hong Kong for the mag and covered China and Hong Kong.

“We regret their determination ... We impulse the authorities of Hong Kong to support entree for the overseas press, which is captious to the territory’s lasting arsenic an planetary city,” said Zanny Minton Beddoes, The Economist’s editor-in-chief, successful a statement.

Immigration authorities did not instantly respond to an email petition for comment. Phone calls to the accusation bureau extracurricular of concern hours went unanswered.

“Very bittersweet I won’t beryllium capable to proceed reporting from Hong Kong. I loved getting to cognize the metropolis and its people. I volition miss you all,” Wong said successful a connection posted connected Twitter.

Wong antecedently worked for the Financial Times and Reuters successful China.

Many person disquieted astir the erosion of property state successful a metropolis that was erstwhile a bastion for it.

In August past year, Hong Kong migration authorities denied a visa to Aaron Mc Nicholas, an incoming exertion for Hong Kong Free Press, an autarkic quality outlet, without giving a reason.

In June, Apple Daily, the Chinese-language tabloid backed by pro-democracy billionaire Jimmy Lai, was forced to unopen down aft constabulary froze $2.3 cardinal of its assets, searched its bureau and arrested 5 apical editors and executives. Police besides accused the individuals of overseas collusion to endanger nationalist security.