Press Statement on Felix Wong (South China Morning Post，01/05/2012)

The South China Morning Post is deeply concerned that Macau officials have once again barred photographer Felix Wong Chi-keung from entering the administrative region while engaged in his professional duties for this newspaper.

In February 2009, Wong was denied entry twice when covering news in Macau. The authorities later clarified the situation and privately admitted the entry denial was a mistake. Since then he has entered freely on several occasions to complete assignments. He was told yesterday that May 1 was a particularly sensitive date. Citing internal security rules, the officials told Wong that his presence would “jeopardize public safety”.

The reasons given are ridiculous. How would the presence of a photographer put public safety at risk?
We see no justification why, now, he should be denied entry again. We regard this incident as a form of harassment and an infringement of the freedom of the press guaranteed by the Basic Laws of Hong Kong and Macau. We urge the Macau government to clarify its actions.