Hong Kong journalism scholar expelled over alleged security concerns

Location: Macau
Date: June 15, 2024

Macau authorities refused entry to Vivian Tam, a senior journalism lecturer at the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK), citing concerns over public security. This incident is not isolated. Macau has previously barred journalists from Hong Kong, often during politically sensitive periods. The repeated denial of entry to journalists under vague and unsubstantiated security claims raises significant concerns about the erosion of press freedom in Macau. Women Press Freedom denounces the treatment of Vivian Tam and urges Macau authorities to respect press freedom and avoid arbitrary restrictions on journalists' movements.

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On June 15, 2024, Vivian Tam, a journalism lecturer from Hong Kong, was detained upon her arrival at the Macau Outer Harbour Ferry Terminal.

Tam was invited by the Macau Journalists Association to host a seminar for journalists in the territory. She was due to conduct a workshop focusing on media ethics and the responsible interviewing of vulnerable people.

Immigration officers refused her entry, citing "strong indications" that her activities posed a threat to public safety or order. After 30 minutes in custody, Tam was sent back to Hong Kong on a ferry.

The Macau Journalists Association condemned her barring as "absurd," arguing that the detention and expulsion of Tam were unwarranted. The Association stated that information about the workshop had been publicly available for some time, and they challenged the notion that such an event could endanger public security or order. They accused the authorities of "abusing the law" under the guise of public security.

Tam entered Macau last year without encountering any issues. Neither Tam nor the Public Security Police Force have commented on the situation.

Macau has previously barred journalists from Hong Kong. In December 2019, journalists from RTHK, NowTV, Commercial Radio, and TVB were denied entry as Macau prepared to commemorate 20 years since its return to Chinese rule. Similarly, in August 2017, reporters covering Super Typhoon Hato from HK01, South China Morning Post, and Apple Daily were turned away. The authorities invoked internal security concerns in both cases.

Women Press Freedom condemns the decision to bar the entry of Vivian Tam to the territory of Macau. Labeling journalists as security threats and restricting their access is an alarming trend that undermines press freedom. We call on Macau authorities to stop obstructing journalists and to ensure all can work freely and without interference.

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