WASHINGTON, Dec. 14, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Denied a visa to compete in the Miss World finals in China this Saturday, Miss Canada – outspoken human rights activist Anastasia Lin – will speak at a National Press Club luncheon a day earlier, Friday, Dec. 18.
China denied Lin's visa application, telling the New York Times in a statement: "China welcomes all lawful activities organized in China by international organizations or agencies, including the Miss World pageant. But China does not allow any persona non grata to come to China."
Lin, who emigrated to China as an adolescent, has testified before Congress on human rights in China and written an op-ed on the topic in The Washington Post.
Lin said her purpose is clear: "To advocate for those who cannot speak for themselves—those who suffer in prisons and labor camps, or whose voices have been stifled by repression and censorship. I also want to give courage to all people living under repressive systems. Many of them have lived in fear for so long that they have forgotten that they can think freely."
As part of a last ditch effort to attend the pageant, Lin traveled to Hong Kong, but was stopped from boarding her connecting flight to the Miss World finals in Sanya, China.
"The Chinese government has used the threat of visa denials to punish dissidents or anyone with unapproved views, and to bring academics and journalists to heel," she said.
The Press Club luncheon will begin promptly at 12:30 p.m. Remarks will begin at 1:00 p.m., followed by a question-and-answer session,ending at 2 p.m. Tickets may be purchase by going to the following link. The cost of luncheon admission is $23 for National Press Club members and $37 for non-members. Tickets must be purchased at time of reservation.
National Press Club Luncheons are webcast live on press.org. Follow the conversation on Twitter using the hashtag #NPCLunch, or on Facebook at (facebook.com/PressClubDC) and Twitter (@PressClubDC). Submit questions for speakers in advance and during the live event by sending them to @QNPCLunch on Twitter. Or email a question in advance, type MISS WORLD CANADA in the subject line and send to [email protected] before 10 a.m. on the day of event.
The Press Club is on the 13th floor, 529 14th Street, NW, Washington, D.C. Credentialed press may cover this event with ID.
About the National Press Club
The National Press Club is the world's leading professional organization for journalists with more than 3,300 members worldwide representing every major news organization. More than 250,000 people visit the Club each year to attend more than 2,000 events. The Club was founded in 1908 and is on the web at press.org.
For More Information
Ruth Mohamed: 202- 662-7561 or [email protected]
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SOURCE National Press Club
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