Japanese journalist barred from entering Hong Kong without clear reason, newspaper says

By KANIS LEUNG
Associated Press

HONG KONG (AP) — A Japanese newspaper has reported that a Japanese journalist was barred from entering Hong Kong without a clear reason, raising concerns over the city’s shrinking press freedoms. The Japan Times, a prominent English-language newspaper, reported Friday that a freelance journalist was being taken by officials to a room at the airport upon arrival Thursday and was being interviewed for around an hour. Yoshiaki Ogawa, known for his coverage in the financial hub, was sent back to Tokyo on Friday. The Immigration Department in Hong Kong did not confirm the events and refused to comment on individual cases. It added the department acts in accordance with the laws in handling each immigration case.