The decision by the Hong Kong authorities to refuse to renew the working visa of the Financial Times' Asia news editor, Victor Mallet, sets a worrying precedent. In the absence of a credible alternative explanation from the authorities, the decision appears politically motivated and therefore raises serious concerns about freedom of the press and freedom of expression in Hong Kong. It risks damaging Hong Kong's international standing and trust in the "one country, two systems" principle.

Journalists must be allowed to perform their work independently and without interference.