Macau authorities refused entry to two Hong Kong political figures yesterday ahead of the Olympic torch relay in the two cities this week.
Former legislator Michael Mak Kwok-fung and activist Chan Cheong, both members of the League of Social Democrats, were turned back despite being there, respectively, to attend a meeting and take a holiday.
It was the latest in a series of refusals of Hong Kong residents to enter Macau.
Earlier this month, league member Andrew To Kwan-hang was turned back when he tried to enter Macau on holiday with his wife. Some Falun Gong practitioners have also been turned away.
Speaking at the Hong Kong- Macau Ferry Terminal after returning, Mr Mak said he was surprised about his treatment and believed it was linked to the Olympic torch relay, which will be held in Hong Kong on Friday and Macau on Saturday.
'While the Macau police did not give me any formal reason why I was refused entry, they appeared to deliberately let me overhear their conversation, with one officer telling the other that it was inappropriate for me to visit during the period of the relay,' Mr Mak said.
'This is completely ridiculous. How can they rob me of the right to travel? I was not going to stay in Macau and organise a protest. I was only going to attend a medical conference. I even bought a same-day-return ticket.'