Hong Kong bars some journalists from handover anniversary

By ZEN SOO
Associated Press

HONG KONG (AP) — More than 13 journalists have reportedly been barred from covering events this week marking the 25th anniversary of Hong Kong’s return to China. Authorities are citing “security reasons” for denying their access. The Hong Kong Journalists Association says the journalists are from at least seven media outlets, including international news agencies Reuters and Agence France-Presse. It says the rejections undermine freedom of the press in the city. Chinese President Xi Jinping is visiting Hong Kong for the anniversary of the former British colony’s return to Chinese rule on July 1, 1997. It’s his first trip outside mainland China since the coronavirus took hold about 2 1/2 years ago.