AP: Falun Gong says another 24 practitioners blocked from entering Hong Kong ahead of handover anniversary

Falun Gong has been declared illegal and subjected to a severe crackdown in China, but it is still permitted in Hong Kong where citizens enjoy Western-style freedoms of speech and religion. However, its frequent protests here against Beijing put Hong Kong in a difficult position.

The group said it would demonstrate against Chinese President Jiang Zemin's expected visit Monday for high-profile events celebrating the anniversary of Hong Kong's return to Chinese sovereignty on
July 1, 1997.

Falun Gong spokeswoman Sophie Xiao said that since Friday night, immigration authorities had turned away 24 followers, comprised of two Japanese, three Australians, one Swede, one French and 17 Taiwanese.

Xiao said authorities had earlier barred another 10 members from entering, including an American, a Swede, and three Australians.

Speaking to The Associated Press by telephone at Hong Kong's airport Saturday morning, Vina Lee from Sydney, Australia, said officials told her she was refused entry for an "immigration reason" and told Taiwanese members they were barred for a "security reason."

"They've obviously got a blacklist," said Lee, a teacher and a Falun Gong follower for four years. She said she had entered Hong Kong many times before and never had a problem.

Immigration Department spokesman Alvin Tam declined to comment on Falun Gong's allegations, saying he could not discuss individual cases.

Separately, Security Secretary Regina Ip told reporters that the government "has never had a blacklist targeting any group members."

"But we have to ensure that everyone entering Hong Kong would not cause any trouble" during the handover anniversary, she said.

The Falun Gong spokeswoman said a similar entry ban was applied when the Chinese president last visited two years ago for an economic conference. Authorities then refused entry to 100 foreign Falun Gong practitioners, who wanted to protest against Jiang's campaign to eradicate the group on the mainland.

"When he visits Hong Kong, the security is always tight," Xiao said.

Falun Gong followers say it is a peaceful meditation movement that builds health and happiness. China banned the group in July 1999, calling it a threat to communist rule and imposed a crackdown in which followers say hundreds have died as a result of police abuse and torture.