The authorities have already begun their investigations into a recent protest of sorts held on the MRT, in which a blindfolded group of individuals raised awareness about Operation Spectrum, the controversial detention of 22 Singaporeans without trial in 1987.
TODAY reports that Sean Francis Han — activist and editor of socio-political site Wake Up Singapore — was spotted entering and leaving the Police Cantonment Complex this morning. He was allegedly involved in the staged protest-cum-performance art piece held on a North-South Line train on June 3.
Pictures display a group of blindfolded individuals calling for justice for the survivors of Operation Spectrum, putting up signs and holding up 1987: Singapore’s Marxist Conspiracy 30 Years On. The book compiles anecdotes by those who were detained under the Internal Security Act for alleged involvement in a conspiracy to establish a Marxist state in Singapore. The detainees have asserted that they were subjected to harsh abuse, torture and were forced into making confessions.
Historians have argued that the arrests were politically motivated, while the ruling People’s Action Party (PAP) continue to maintain to this day that the ex-detainees posed a threat to national security.
The police responded to media queries that they were looking into the matter.
“We deeply regret that citizens who were reading this book and chose to express their views publicly against the abuses of Operation Spectrum are to be subjected to police investigation,” wrote Function 8, the initiative which published the book.
“It is deplorable that there are people who try to muzzle those who want the truth — calling for justice for those who suffered detention without trial”.
