Heads of influential American business group in Hong Kong denied entry to Macau after opposition to extradition bill
- Tara Joseph, president of the American Chamber of Commerce, and group’s chairman Robert Grieves held at border for two hours, on their way to an annual ball
- Refusal comes after chamber’s opposition to doomed extradition bill, and tension over US legislation on Hong Kong affairs
The heads of an influential American business group in Hong Kong were denied entry to Macau and detained for several hours on Saturday, before being sent back with no reason given.
According to a statement issued on Saturday night by the American Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong (AmCham), its chairman Robert Grieves and president Tara Joseph were separately prevented from entering the former Portuguese colony as they travelled to the annual AmCham Macau Ball.
“Both Robert and Tara were given no reason for why they were delayed,” the statement read. “After several hours, and after having to sign a statement that they voluntarily agreed not to pursue entry into Macau, they both returned to Hong Kong without any difficulty.
“We are puzzled as to why this happened, given this was simply a social occasion to celebrate AmCham Macau’s annual gathering.”
It added that AmCham is a business chamber and has been consistent in its support for the development of business in the Greater Bay Area.
