Singapore probes Hong Konger Alex Yeung over protest discussion

Singapore police are investigating a YouTube star from Hong Kong who purportedly organised a gathering to discuss the protests in his home town. It has been reported that he has violated public assembly laws. The people of Singapore are frightened about the unrest in rival financial hubs according to the observers as they fear that it could inspire demonstrations in the tightly controlled island nation where protests are very rare.

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Organizing any public assembly without prior permission is a punishable offence 

A restaurateur, Alex Yeung who is recognized for his anti-protest criticism on YouTube allegedly called for the gathering last month which began in a bar and shifted to a public area, according to the police. Video footage was circulated online which showed Yeung at a Singapore bar gathered with two dozens people criticizing the protestors and Hong Kong pro-democracy figures. Organizing any public assembly without prior permission is a punishable offence in Singapore with a fine of up to Sg$5,000 ($3,700). The violators who repeat the same thing can be fined up to Sg$10,000 or jailed for a maximum of six months or both.

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Police said that Yeung's passport has been seized

The police made a statement on Thursday and said that they will not allow any permit for assemblies that discusses the political causes of other countries. The police added foreigners residing or visiting Singapore should abide by the laws. They said that Yeung has not been arrested but his passport has been seized during the investigations. Singapore only allows protests without a police permit in the corner of one downtown park. Yeung said in a video that was posted on Monday that he visited Singapore to look for business opportunities and accused the supporters of the protests for putting him up at the gathering. He said that he never had the intention to violate any laws in Singapore and never thought to take part in any political activities. His lawyer said that he was cooperating with the police.

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