Hong Kong refuses visa to FT Asia Editor in blow to press freedom.

Victor Mallet. Photo credit: FCCHK

Today, the Vice President of the Foreign Correspondents Club (FCC), the Financial Times' Asia News Editor Victor Mallet, was denied a work visa after hosting a lunchtime speech by independence campaigner Andy Chan. This is a serious setback for press freedom and freedom of expression, and could encourage journalists to self-censor important stories in future.

Benedict Rogers, a co-founder and Chair of Hong Kong Watch, said: "The decision to deny a senior and experienced journalist such as Mr Mallett a renewal of his visa is shocking and is yet another illustration of the serious erosion of Hong Kong's basic freedoms. Mr Mallett was courageous in defending the FCC's decision to host Andy Chan, emphasising that it did not mean support for Mr Chan's views but simply support for freedom of expression. We call on the Hong Kong government to urgently reconsider the decision regarding his visa."