Hong Kong: Women Press Freedom Slams Hong Kong’s Visa Refusal for Journalist Haze Fan
The Bloomberg journalist was previously wrongfully detained by China for three years on baseless charges
Location: Hong Kong, Hong Kong
Date: August 19, 2024
Women Press Freedom strongly condemns the recent denial of a work visa to Bloomberg’s Haze Fan by Hong Kong immigration authorities. Fan previously endured immense suffering at the hands of Chinese authorities, including a wrongful three-year detention under baseless charges of "endangering national security." Despite being released without charge in January 2022, the targeting of Fan has not ceased. The refusal of her visa to work at Bloomberg’s Hong Kong bureau is yet another attempt to stifle her voice and prevent her from carrying out her professional duties.This decision by Hong Kong authorities is part of a broader and deeply troubling trend of suppressing press freedom in the region. The refusal to allow journalists to work freely, the arbitrary denial of visas, and the ongoing persecution of media professionals are blatant attacks on the fundamental principles of a free press. We stand in solidarity with Haze Fan and all journalists who continue to report with integrity and courage, despite the significant risks they face. We demand Hong Kong authorities reverse their decision and grant Fan the work permit immediately.
On August 19, 2024, Haze Fan was denied a visa to work at Bloomberg’s Hong Kong bureau, forcing her to resume her duties in the London newsroom. Bloomberg had planned to relocate Fan to its Hong Kong office, but the immigration authorities rejected her visa application without explanation. This development was confirmed by John Micklethwait, Bloomberg’s editor-in-chief.
Fan has previously faced severe targeting by Chinese authorities, including a wrongful three-year detention under vague charges of "endangering national security." Fan, who was initially detained in December 2020 while working as a staffer at Bloomberg’s Beijing bureau, was released in January 2022 without charges.
The immigration department has said it “will not comment on individual cases” when asked about the matter on August 20. “The Immigration Department acts in accordance with the laws and policies in handling each application,” the immigration spokesperson said.
Fan is one of the many journalists, including women, who have faced persecution by Hong Kong authorities. In May 2024, journalist Gwyneth Ho was convicted alongside 13 pro-democracy activists in the largest national security case in the China administered region. In April this year, Aleksandra Bielakowska — the Advocacy Officer for Reporters Without Borders (RSF) — was detained and deported from Hong Kong. In May this year, distinguished journalist and former lawmaker Claudia Mo was coerced to plead guilty to conspiracy charges.
The crackdown on press freedom in Hong Kong has led to the arbitrary denial of work visas for multiple international journalists, including those from Bloomberg, The New York Times, Financial Times, and The Economist. The region has seen the arrest of journalists, raids on media offices, and the shutdown of around 10 media outlets, including prominent publications like Apple Daily, Stand News, and Citizen News.
The Hong Kong authorities’ decision to deny the Chinese journalist the ability to work in the region freely is a blatant attack on the principle of press freedom. It serves as an alarming reminder of the increasing risks that journalists, particularly women, face in such a hostile atmosphere. As the climate for press freedom in Hong Kong continues to deteriorate, the international community’s support for journalists working in these hostile environments is more crucial than ever.
Women Press Freedom is an initiative by The Coalition For Women In Journalism
The Coalition For Women In Journalism is a global organization of support for women journalists. The CFWIJ pioneered mentorship for mid-career women journalists across several countries around the world and is the first organization to focus on the status of free press for women journalists. We thoroughly document cases of any form of abuse against women in any part of the globe. Our system of individuals and organizations brings together the experience and mentorship necessary to help female career journalists navigate the industry. Our goal is to help develop a strong mechanism where women journalists can work safely and thrive.
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