The SAR has been scrupulous in being seen to uphold the principle of 'one country, two systems' in its dealings with members of the Falun Gong sect. Outlawed on the mainland as a perceived threat to social order, the group's members are free to protest and to practise their exercises and propound their beliefs in the SAR. This liberal approach contrasts sharply with the scenes in Beijing of Falun Gong members, many of them elderly women, being roughly handled by security forces. Such images have undoubtedly helped the group to receive what has been generally positive international press coverage. Regardless of the merits of the group's beliefs, its protests in Hong Kong have been peaceful and dignified.
So it would be highly unfortunate if the hunger strike by Wendy Fang Wenqing was to be linked in any way with the Falun Gong movement. Her actions have nothing to do with freedom of speech, the Government placing restrictions on Falun Gong, or indeed any matter of principle.
The case is a simple one: Ms Fang, who by coincidence purports to be a Falun Gong member, is seeking entry to Hong Kong, but does not possess the correct documentation - as the holder of a mainland passport, she requires a visa. This makes her declaration that she has been blacklisted quite ridiculous. Others have also attempted to mould the situation to suit their purpose. Mary Qian Zhizheng, a friend of Ms Fang's and a fellow sect member who entered Hong Kong on a US passport, claims: 'The SAR Government has been telling the world it tolerates Falun Gong, but it has eaten its words.' This is a ludicrous distortion.
The fact that Ms Fang is five months pregnant makes her decision to launch a hunger strike reprehensible.
Legally, adults who are capable of making a rational decision have the right to refuse food. But there are exceptions; and one of these exceptions applies to pregnant women.
Legally, therefore, there is no question that the High Court was in the right yesterday when it granted permission for Ms Fang to be forced to accept food 'with minimal force'.
