Amnesty International: Barricades At Pink Dot 2017 Set A “Disturbing Precedent”

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Global human rights watch Amnesty International have released a statement online criticising the new requirements placed on Pink Dot, labelling them as obstructions to peaceful activism.

In a report made available on Thursday (June 1), Amnesty International called for local authorities to “immediately revoke a new requirement that requires that entrances to a peaceful assembly are barricaded”.

Amnesty International also called the restriction “another attempt by authorities to restrict and suppress peaceful activism in Singapore”.

At the announcement event of Pink Dot 2017 last week, the organisers of the annual LGBTQ+ gathering revealed that under new requirements, foreigners will not be allowed into Hong Lim Park, where the event will be held.

In addition to the barricades, all attendees will be required to present their Identity Cards or passports before they can enter the event area.

“The set-up of barricades and check points around the park was the only measure deemed acceptable by authorities; this was a decision taken out of our hands and is something we do not readily agree with,” said Pink Dot SG’s spokesperson Paerin Choa.

Individuals who fail to comply with the Public Order Act can face a fine of up to $3000 for their first offence, and up to $5000 if they are repeat offenders.

For the July 1 event, Pink Dot 2017 has clinched 116 local sponsors, surpassing its initial target of 100.

This year’s Pink Dot Ambassadors are singer Nathan Hartono, actor Ebi Shankara and Paralympic swimmer Theresa Goh.

Read the full report by Amnesty International here.

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