Categories: NewsNews Feed

Miss World Contestant Anastasia Lin Barred From China

Canada’s Miss Word contender Anastasia Lin was barred from a flight to Sanya to compete in the competition, an event she blames on her human rights activism.

Lin never received an invitation for the event, happening on Dec. 19. She then attempted to travel from Hong Kong and obtain a visa on arrival, something Canadian tourists are allowed to do. But she was barred from boarding.

“My denial was unfortunate, but not entirely unexpected. The Chinese government has barred me from the competition for political reasons,” Lin said in a statement. “They are trying to punish me for my beliefs and prevent me from speaking out about human rights issues.”

In response to a query on Lin’s status by Canadian newspaper The Globe and Mail, the Chinese embassy in Ottawa stated “China does not allow any persona non grata to come to China.” While Lin was not mentioned by name, the statement by Yundong Yang added that it was the country’s prerogative to make such decisions, adding, “I simply do not understand why some people pay special attention to this matter and raise it repeatedly.”

Born in China, Lin moved to Canada in her teens. She is a graduate from the University of Toronto and a practitioner of Falun Gong, banned by the Chinese government. It is a Chinese spiritual practice that combines meditation and qigoing techniques with a moral philosophy. It was banned by the Communist government in the 1990s, who feared its size and independence from the state. Lin is an outspoken advocate of the spiritual practice who has testified before the U.S. Congress about it in July and acted in films about it.

Matthew Enright

Share
Published by
Matthew Enright

Recent Posts

Lorde Prepares For 2025 ‘Ultrasound’ Tour – Setlist & Ticket Info

Lorde will be joined on select dates by artists The Japanese House, Chanel Beads, Empress…

7 hours ago

After Trump Is Reminded He Called Sean Combs ‘A Good Friend,’ Rapper 50 Cent Vows To Stop President From Pardoning Him

Rapper 50 Cent vowed to stop President Donald Trump from pardoning Sean Combs. During a…

7 hours ago

Sir Ian McKellen Set To Open ‘Twelfth Night’ Adaptation With All Trans & Non-Binary Cast

Lord of the Rings star Sir Ian McKellen is set to open Trans What You…

8 hours ago

Disneyland Plans To Bring Walt Disney Alive As Animatron – Despite Protests From His Family

The July 17 debut of Walt Disney – A Magical Life will coincide with Disneyland’s…

13 hours ago

Prince Harry Considers Changing His Famous Surname – And Taking Late Mother Diana’s

Mountbatten-Windsor is the British royal family’s official surname used by some descendants of the late…

13 hours ago

Ben Stiller Reacts To Pat McAfee’s ‘Weird’ Commentary At Knicks-Pacers Game

Ben Stiller said sports analyst Pat McAfee had “weird” commentary at a basketball game. The…

14 hours ago