Taiwan says Hong Kong singer Denise Ho was entitled to join rally where red paint was thrown at her
- Ho opts to press charges against two men over the paint attack at a rally in support of Hong Kong protests
- Island’s law forbids foreign tourists taking part in political activities without prior notification, but border agency says Ho had declared her plans
It came as the Hong Kong singer said she had decided to press charges against two Taiwanese men arrested for throwing the paint at the rally on Sunday.
Ho’s participation had raised questions over whether she was acting legally, having entered Taiwan as a tourist on Sunday using a foreign passport. Under Taiwanese law, foreign tourists are banned from taking part in political activities or making public speeches without officially stating their purpose before entering the island.
The National Immigration Agency said in a statement on Monday that “the right for foreigners to take part in public rallies and marches is protected as long as they stay in Taiwan legally and the events are authorised and peaceful in nature”.
The agency said Ho had told airport immigration staff that she had travelled to Taiwan to take part in the rally.