http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/15b073ca-2876-11de-8dbf-00144feabdc0.html?nclick_check=1
Singapore curbs public gatherings Published: April 13 2009 23:18 | Last updated: April 13 2009 23:18 Singapore passed a law yesterday on freedom of assembly it said would help prevent the disruption of international meetings that caused the cancellation of a summit in Thailand last weekend, reports Reuters. But?an?opposition?member of parliament said the rules would tighten restrictions on Singaporeans' rights. Singapore is due to host the Asia-Pacific Economic Co-operation summit in November. "Singapore cannot afford the luxury of having this meeting disrupted," said K. Shanmugam, law minister. All cause-related outdoor activities will need a police permit, no matter how many people are involved, changing the law in which gatherings of five or more people require a permit. The bill allows police to stop people from filming law enforcement if it could put officers in danger. Legislator Sylvia Lim of the Workers' party said the government was taking advantage of struggle in Thailand to implement "draconian laws". Copyright The Financial Times Limited 2009
