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| Howard, an Australian-Chinese impersonating North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, and Dennis Alan, impersonating U.S. President Donald Trump, meet at Merlion Park in Singapore June 8 |
An Australian comedian known for impersonating North Korean leader Kim Jong Un said he was detained by Singaporeโs authorities on Friday and questioned about his political views.
Singaporeโs immigration and checkpoints authority and the Singapore police did not immediately have comment. The incident came just days before the city-state hosts high stakes talks between U.S. and North Koreaโs leaders.
Howard X, who declined to give his real name, told Reuters he was detained for two hours and questioned for around 30 minutes when he arrived in the early morning hours at Singaporeโs Changi Airport.
โ(They) asked me what my political views were and if I have been involved with protests in other countries,โ he said, adding that he was told to stay away from Sentosa Island and the Shangri-La, two areas that are designated โspecial event areasโ for the summit.
โThey said, โItโs the Trump-Kim summit, youโve come at a very sensitive time.’โ
Howard X was in Singapore late last month, posing as Kim Jong Un against a backdrop of the cityโs bay which features sites such as the Merlion and the iconic Marina Bay Sands Hotel.
He said he is planning similar stunts for the purpose of political satire in the coming days, this time in tow with Donald Trump impersonator Dennis Alan. He said he is not planning any protests.
Rights groups have criticised Singaporeโs laws that they say limit critical speech and peaceful assembly.
For example, protests have to be pre-approved and are allowed only at a designated downtown area called the Speakersโ Corner.
Singapore has held the position that its laws and regulations are needed to maintain social order and harmony.
