The upsetting reason why Miss Canada isn’t being allowed to compete in Miss World

Since Anastasia Lin and her mother emigrated from China to Canada, the 25-year-old actress and beauty pageant contestant has committed herself to advocating for human rights and religious freedom in her native country. According to The New York Times, her outspokenness about these issues has caused China to decline her a visa, which means that she will not be able to compete in the 65th annual Miss World finals in Hainan.

Anastasia earned her crown and spot in the month-long competition back in May when she won the title of Miss Canada. After she didn’t receive a confirmation about her Chinese visa, she boarded a plane to Hong Kong anyway, armed with her Canadian-themed evening wear. Officials in Hong Kong’s airport stopped her from getting on a flight to the Miss World competition location.

“I have every right to be at that event,” she told The New York Times. “It’s kind of sad. I mean, I’m just an acting student and a beauty queen. What could they possibly be so afraid of?”

Unfortunately, Anastasia is not the first person to experience fissure with the Chinese government over her beliefs:

This setback won’t prevent Anastasia from speaking her mind as loudly as she can. “If I don’t speak out for what’s right,” she said, “it will send out a terrible message to those who experience China’s fear and intimidation and don’t have the ability to fight back.”

(Image via Instagram.)