Past record was not the cause of entry ban, says Danish activist

Danish human rights activist Jens Galschiot yesterday said that his past record was not the reason for him being denied entry into Hong Kong last week.

But sources said he was barred from entering because of his activism in the past, including his association with the Colour Orange movement to press for human rights during the Beijing Olympics, and his involvement in the World Trade Organisation (WTO) protests in Hong Kong in 2005.

The incident led to a meeting between Danish consul general Jorgen Mollegaard and Secretary for Security Ambrose Lee Siu-kwong yesterday. French consul general Jean-Pierre Thebault also took part.

Mr Mollegaard said they had a 'frank discussion' with Mr Lee during the 45-minute meeting.

Several Chinese-language newspapers yesterday reported the government had refused Galschiot entry to Hong Kong because of an incident in December 2005, in which it was alleged he had not arranged adequate insurance for a sculpture he installed in Victoria Park during the 2005 WTO meeting.

But on his website, Galschiot said the allegation was 'a sheer lie' and said he had taken out insurance for the sculpture.

Reporters Without Borders, an international pressure group, said it had decided not to come to Hong Kong to protest because it believed the group would be denied entry.