Woman Questioned for Public Assembly Without Permit Amid Global Dissent Over China’s Zero-Covid Policy
SINGAPORE: The Singapore Police Force is investigating a 32-year-old woman who allegedly staged a protest outside the Chinese Embassy in Singapore on November 28. The protest was related to issues in China, specifically the country’s stringent “zero Covid” policy. The police were alerted to the incident at 12:55 pm, and the woman was directed to stop her demonstration, which she complied with.
Authorities have reminded the public that organising or participating in a public assembly without a permit is an offence under the Public Order Act in Singapore. Additionally, the police have raised concerns over foreigners in Singapore advocating for causes related to China, such as through the display of protest posters. Foreign nationals visiting, working, or residing in Singapore are reminded to avoid importing political matters from their home countries and to respect local laws.
The protests in China that prompted this incident were sparked by a deadly fire in Urumqi, Xinjiang, which killed 10 people. The deaths were linked to China’s strict anti-virus measures that hindered escape and rescue efforts. These events triggered widespread protests, with clashes between demonstrators and police in major cities like Shanghai, Beijing, and Wuhan. The protests have even spread to other global cities, including Hong Kong, New York, London, Paris, and Tokyo, where people have gathered to voice their opposition to the country’s policies. In these protests, many demonstrators have held up blank sheets of paper, a symbol of defiance against the Chinese government.
