Some journalists barred from Hong Kong's 25th handover anniversary over security concerns

HONG KONG: Hong Kong authorities barred more than 13 journalists from covering events this week which marks the 25th anniversary of Hong Kong's return to China, citing security concerns, according to the Hong Kong Journalists Association and media reports.

The association said in a statement posted online late Tuesday that the journalists represent at least seven media outlets, including international news agencies Reuters and Agence France-Presse, as well as several other outlets from Hong Kong.

"The authorities have made ad hoc and narrow interview arrangements at this important juncture and have put forth vague grounds for refusal, seriously undermining the freedom of the press in Hong Kong," the statement said. It said at least 10 journalists have been barred.

At least three other journalists from local news outlets were informed on Wednesday that their applications to cover the July 1 events had been rejected, the Hong Kong Economic Journal said.

Hong Kong police have confirmed that Chinese President Xi Jinping will visit the city for the anniversary of the former British colony's return to Chinese rule. This is the president's first visit outside of China after the global pandemic took hold.

Hong Kong is a special semi-autonomous region of China. Police here have announced a host of security measures that included road closures and a no-fly zone.

Strict conditions have been imposed on those attending the event. Journalists must undergo daily COVID-19 nucleic acid tests beginning last Sunday and stay at a quarantine hotel from Wednesday.

The Hong Kong Economic Journal reported that despite receiving preliminary permissions, including instructions to check-in at the quarantine hotel, some journalists received a rejection notice on their way to the hotel on Wednesday, while others were told they were barred from the event when they arrived.

Initially, the authorities had invited media outlets to submit up to 20 applications to cover events including the flag-raising ceremony and the inauguration of the new Hong Kong government, but later clarified that only one journalist could be sent from each outlet, Associated Press reported.

In a news report, Reuters said that the application they submitted for two of their journalists to cover the events were both rejected. An agency spokesperson said that they were seeking more information on the same.

According to the Journalist Association, the Hong Kong media outlets that were affected include the English-language South China Morning Post, the Chinese-language newspaper Ming Pao, and the online news outlet HK01. The South China Morning Post said in a news report that it had rejected one of its photographers without citing any reasons.

The journalists association said that those media outlets that were affected had the option to send replacements but they too had to meet the testing and quarantine requirements.

"The government is striking a balance as far as possible between the need of media work and security requirements," the Information Services Department said in a statement. "We will not comment on the accreditation outcome of individual organizations and persons."