Nathan Law, a prominent Hong Kong activist now based in London, was denied entry to Singapore over the weekend in a move he believes was politically motivated. Law, who fled Hong Kong after the implementation of its controversial National Security Law in 2020, was detained at Singapore’s Changi Airport on Saturday night. After a grueling 14-hour ordeal, he was sent back to San Francisco, where he had flown from, without being given a clear reason for the refusal.

Law had obtained a visa to attend a private, invitation-only event in Singapore, the details of which he kept confidential. “I was detained upon arrival and informed four hours later that my entry was denied,” Law said in a statement. “I suspect the decision was political, possibly influenced by external forces like the People’s Republic of China, though I have no concrete evidence of this.” He declined to provide further comments when reached by reporters.

The Singapore government confirmed the decision, stating that even with a valid visa, all visitors face additional scrutiny at the border. A statement from the Home Affairs Ministry emphasized that Law’s entry was deemed contrary to Singapore’s national interests. The ministry pointed to an active arrest warrant issued by Hong Kong police under the National Security Law, accusing Law of colluding with foreign entities and inciting secession. The charges stem from his alleged calls for sanctions against China and advocacy for Hong Kong’s separation in international forums, social media, and media interviews.

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Hong Kong authorities escalated their pursuit of Law and other exiled activists in 2023, issuing warrants and offering bounties of 1 million Hong Kong dollars ($127,600) for information leading to their arrests. The crackdown followed massive anti-government protests in 2019, which prompted Beijing to impose the National Security Law, significantly curbing dissent in the semi-autonomous territory of 7.5 million people. The law has led to the imprisonment of numerous activists, including Joshua Wong, Law’s ally from the 2014 Umbrella Revolution, a pro-democracy movement that catapulted both to global attention.

Law’s political journey has been turbulent. Elected to Hong Kong’s legislature in 2016 at age 23, he was disqualified after altering his tone during the oath of office, making it sound like a question—an act authorities interpreted as disloyalty to China. Since then, he has continued his activism from abroad, becoming a vocal critic of Beijing’s tightening grip on Hong Kong.

The incident raises questions about Singapore’s stance on hosting activists with contentious political backgrounds. While the city-state is known for its strict immigration policies, Law’s case highlights the complex interplay of international politics, with potential implications for Singapore’s relations with China. Observers note that Singapore has increasingly aligned its policies with maintaining regional stability, often avoiding actions that could antagonize major powers like China.

Law’s deportation underscores the challenges faced by Hong Kong’s exiled activists, who continue to navigate a shrinking space for dissent. As Beijing’s influence grows, incidents like this may signal tighter restrictions for activists seeking refuge or platforms abroad.

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