Post by : Rameen Ariff

Nathan Law, a prominent pro-democracy campaigner from Hong Kong now living in exile in the UK, was denied entry to Singapore despite holding a valid visa. Law had planned to attend a private, invitation-only conference in the city-state, but upon arrival on Saturday, he was detained at the border for several hours before being sent back.

Singapore’s authorities stated that Law’s presence in the country “would not be in its national interests.” A government spokesperson explained that even visa holders are subject to checks at the point of entry, and Law was referred for questioning and security assessment before his deportation.

Law, who fled Hong Kong in 2020 after China imposed a strict national security law, holds a UK Refugee Travel Document. He said he believes his denial of entry is politically motivated and suggested that external forces, possibly including the Chinese government, may have influenced the decision. He was put on the earliest flight back to San Francisco, from where he had initially departed.

Hong Kong authorities continue to pursue Law, accusing him of endangering national security. The city’s government has offered rewards of HK$1 million (around $128,000) for information leading to his arrest. Law was among several exiled pro-democracy activists wanted by Hong Kong officials.

Singapore has maintained a consistent policy of keeping foreign politics out of the country. The government reiterated that it takes a firm stand against the importation of political issues from other nations. In 2019, Singapore had also taken action against a local activist for hosting an online forum featuring prominent Hong Kong pro-democracy figures.

Nathan Law, a former Hong Kong legislator, remains one of the most high-profile figures of the territory’s pro-democracy movement. He was granted asylum in the UK in 2021, following the sweeping national security law in Hong Kong that targets secession, subversion, and terrorism with severe punishments, including life imprisonment.

#world news #Global News #Travel News