Singapore Probes HK Man Accused Of Protest Meeting

Singapore police said on Thursday that they're investigating an alleged meeting at a bar last month held to discuss anti-government protests in Hong Kong, in a possible breach of the city-state’s law against unauthorized public assembly.

Singapore tightly restricts public demonstrations and does not allow protests over political situations in other countries.

Police questioned Alex Yeung, a Hong Kong resident, for allegedly organizing a “gathering” on October 11 at the Kimoto Gastro Bar in the financial district, where guests were invited to share their views on unrest in Hong Kong.

The event later shifted to a public promenade overlooking the glitzy Marina Bay, the police said.

“Currently, Yeung’s passport has been impounded while he is assisting the Police with ongoing investigations. He is, however, neither arrested nor in Police custody, and is free to go about his activities within Singapore,” the statement said.

Nicholas Narayanan, Yeung’s lawyer, said his client couldn’t comment due to the ongoing police investigation.

“Our client is fully co-operating with the police at this time,” Narayanan said in a statement.

Singapore is closely watching the developments in Hong Kong to avoid suffering similar “deep social angst”, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said last month.

Lee, who has criticized the Hong Kong protesters, said Singapore would be “finished” if it went through similar unrest. (Refinitiv)