The Society of Publishers in Asia is extremely concerned about the decision by the Hong Kong government not to renew the work visa of Victor Mallet, Asia News Editor of the Financial Times.
Mr Mallet has worked for the Financial Times and Reuters for more than 30 years and has been based in the city since 2016, his second spell in Hong Kong. He is a highly regarded member of the media community.
Such a decision is very rare, if not unprecedented. No reason has been given for it. The Hong Kong government should explain why the work visa was not renewed and, in the absence of any valid justification, reverse its decision.
Freedom of expression and freedom of the press lie at the heart of Hong Kong’s system and way of life. These freedoms must be respected.