Authorities in Hong Kong have allegedly prevented seven overseas members of the Falungong spiritual movement from entering the territory ahead of a visit by China's President, Jiang Zemin.
A Falungong spokeswoman says an Australian, a Briton and five followers from America were stopped at Hong Kong airport, bringing to 15 the total of sect members who have been kept out since late last month.
An Australian Consulate spokesman confirmed that an Australian citizen from Melbourne had been denied entry and was waiting to be deported.
Separately, seven pro-democracy demonstrators attached themselves to a pole outside a convention center that will be used for an economic conference to be attended by Jiang, former U-S President Bill Clinton and top corporate executives.
The activists vowed to stay for 48 hours, but authorities waited less than two hours before cutting them free and carrying them away.