Hong Kong has barred the Asia news editor of the Financial Times from entering the city as a visitor, the newspaper said, after authorities refused to renew his work visa in October.

Victor Mallet “attempted to enter Hong Kong on Thursday as a visitor but was turned away at the border after several hours of questioning by immigration officers”, the Financial Times said.

Mallet did not comment further when contacted by Reuters.

Hong Kong’s government said the case had nothing to do with freedom of expression or the press.

“In considering any application for entry, we will be acting in accordance with the law and the prevailing immigration policy to make a decision,” it said in an emailed statement on Friday.

Analysts have cited the FT editor’s case among other examples of Hong Kong officials taking a tough line on perceived critics and dissent in the former British colony.

In Mallet’s case, the government declined to renew his work visa last month.