Police investigating participants in HK protest vigil at Hong Lim Park

Police investigating participants in HK protest vigil at Hong Lim Park

SINGAPORE - Police are investigating several people who participated in the "Singapore in Solidarity with HK event" at the Speakers' Corner on Wednesday night.

In response to media queries, police released a statement to the press to confirm that several foreigners are currently assisting with investigations into offences under the Public Order Act.

No arrest has been made, said the police.

A candlelight vigil was held at Hong Lim Park last night. More than 100 people had turned up by 7.45pm, reported The Straits Times.

The event kicked off with the crowd - many of whom were wearing black with yellow ribbons pinned on them - spontaneously singing Hong Kong rock band Beyond's Under A Vast Sky that has become the unofficial anthem of the protests in Hong Kong.

The English daily reported that the attendees lit candles, sang songs and wrote messages of support in pieces of paper and placards provided by the organisers Jolovan Wham, 34 and Rachel Zeng. 31.

They told The Straits Times online that "they wanted to show solidarity with demonstrators in Hong Kong who have taken to the streets to push for universal suffrage."

However, the police said today that "the Speakers' Corner is a designated site for Singapore Citizens to speak freely on issues as long as they do not touch on racial or religious matters".

"Only Singapore citizens and permanent residents are allowed to participate in demonstrations held at the Speakers' Corner. Foreigners and organisers of assemblies and processions involving foreigners are required to obtain a police permit before they can use the Speakers' Corner.

"While foreigners are allowed to work or live here, they have to abide by our laws. They should not import their domestic issues from their countries into Singapore and conduct activities which can disturb public order. Those who break the law will be seriously dealt with," said the police.

Leaders of the Hong Kong demonstrations have said protests will spread unless chief executive Leung Chun-ying resigns and the government in Beijing drops its plans to control the 2017 election.

klim@sph.com.sg

[[nid:143141]]
This website is best viewed using the latest versions of web browsers.