KUALA LUMPUR – A Singaporean fashion influencer was purportedly detained by the city state’s Customs Department due to her advocacy for Palestine.
After returning from Kuala Lumpur recently, Camira Asrori claimed she was held at the department’s office at the Tuas checkpoint after she was unable to go through a passport lane.
On Instagram, the influencer said although she believed it was due to her coloured contact lenses, an officer confiscated her passport and asked her to wait without providing a clear explanation.
Subsequently, she said she was taken to an interrogation room, where detailed questions were posed about her background, family, career, education, and eventually – her Instagram account.
The officer inquired if she had ever discussed the “Israel-Hamas conflict” on her Instagram account, to which she confirmed.
When asked about the frequency of such posts, she revealed daily postings since October 7. The officer then requested to check her phone to review the Instagram postings.
It was highlighted that while the Singapore government permits reposting others’ stories, the act of commenting on such stories will be scrutinised.
Another officer entered the scene and disclosed the primary reason for her detention – her participation in pro-Palestinian street demonstrations during a visit to Japan.
Authorities expressed concern that such postings might encourage Singaporeans to participate in overseas demonstrations, posing a potential threat.
As a result, she was pressured to delete the post related to the Japanese demonstration.
Regardless of the ordeal, Camira insisted that she was not afraid of the authorities.
“I no longer fear the police as much as I used to – it’s all just scare tactics. Also thanks to the person who reported me, because now I’m more empowered than ever,” Camira, who has more than 20,000 followers, said in a caption of her post.
“I forgot to mention this in the video but if the police call and tell you to head down to the nearest police station, you can also ignore until they issue you an official interview letter. you can also choose to keep replying ‘no comment’ if you’re not comfortable answering any question.
“Don’t be afraid because whatever we’re saying is the truth and we are on the right side of history.”
In November last year, Singapore’s Home Ministry issued a warning that individuals displaying or wearing apparel and paraphernalia featuring foreign national emblems related to conflicts may face fines up to SG$500 (RM1,773) or imprisonment for up to six months, or both. This applies to both locals and travellers seeking to enter Singapore.
The advisory emphasises the prohibition of promoting or supporting terrorism through the display of items carrying logos of militant groups in Palestine. – February 17, 2024