Hong Kong turns away Taiwan Falun Gong activists

TAIPEI, June 27 (Reuters) Hong Kong has turned away more than 40 Taiwan Falun Gong practitioners ahead of China-Hong Kong handover anniversary events this weekend, travellers and a Taiwan official said today.

Since Sunday, travelers who could normally expect to enter Hong Kong said immigration officials there as well as airline and ticketing agents in Hong Kong and Taiwan have halted their trips, apparently because their names appeared on a blacklist.

''The Falun Gong blacklist is very open,'' said Chu Wan-chi, a Taiwan lawyer and practitioner of the spritual movement outlawed by Beijing. She was barred from traveling.

Some of the people not allowed to travel had intended to protest this weekend on the 10th anniversary of Hong Kong's return to China after 150 years of British colonial rule.

Since about 2000, the spiritual movement Falun Gong has struggled with Chinese officials for recognition. The movement remains legal in Hong Kong.

Chinese President Hu Jintao is scheduled to visit Hong Kong during the weekend. Chinese officials see protests as disruptions of their public appearances and ceremonies.

''To not let them in is regrettable,'' said Taiwan cabinet spokesman Shieh Jhy-wey, adding that human rights in Hong Kong had declined under Chinese rule.

''This kind of situation shouldn't happen.'' The Hong Kong immigration department spokesman's office had no immediate comment.

Reuters LPB DB1339