A prominent Hong Kong pro-democracy activist, Nathan Law, was denied entry to Singapore on March 9, 2024, after being detained for several hours at Changi Airport. Law, who is currently based in London, described the denial as politically motivated, though he expressed uncertainty about any direct involvement from the People’s Republic of China (PRC).
Law had traveled from San Francisco, having obtained a visa to attend a closed-door event. After arriving in Singapore, he was held for approximately four hours before being informed that his entry was refused. He stated that no specific reason was provided for the decision. Following his detention, Law was put on a return flight to San Francisco after spending roughly 14 hours in Singapore.
In a statement, Law indicated that the refusal of entry likely stemmed from his status as a political dissident. He mentioned that he had previously faced legal challenges under Hong Kong’s controversial national security law, which has been criticized for suppressing dissent. Law is accused of colluding with foreign entities and inciting secession, charges linked to his public calls for international sanctions against Hong Kong and its separation from China.
The Singaporean government confirmed Law’s entry denial, stating that visa holders are subject to additional checks at the border. Furthermore, they noted that Hong Kong police had issued a warrant for Law’s arrest under the national security law, which has been a source of significant international concern since its introduction in 2020.
Singapore has an extradition agreement with Hong Kong, but it does not seem to cover offenses classified as national security crimes. The situation highlights the complexities surrounding Hong Kong’s legal landscape and its relationship with mainland China, especially in the wake of the 2019 anti-government protests that led to increased crackdowns on dissent.
Law gained prominence during the Umbrella Revolution in 2014, a pro-democracy movement that sought greater autonomy for Hong Kong. He has since become one of the most visible figures among self-exiled activists. Following the imposition of the national security law, Law’s activism has drawn widespread attention, and in 2023, Hong Kong police publicly offered rewards of $HK1 million (approximately $A194,353) for information leading to his arrest and that of other activists living abroad.
The incident underscores ongoing tensions between pro-democracy advocates and authorities in both Hong Kong and mainland China. As Law continues to speak out against the repressive measures implemented by the Hong Kong government, his experiences raise critical questions about freedom of expression and political asylum in the region.
