Singapore Detains Spanish Newlyweds for Protest Against Football

Photo : AP

A Spanish couple on their honeymoon in Singapore has been detained after staging a protest against the Singaporean owner of their beloved football club, Valencia CF. Dani Cuesta and his partner, Mireia Sáez, found themselves in trouble after Cuesta shared photos of himself holding a banner outside the residence of Peter Lim, the billionaire owner of the club, criticizing his management.

The couple was stopped by Singapore authorities while attempting to board a flight to Bali on Friday. According to Valencia's Mayor, María José Catalá, their passports were confiscated at the airport. While the specific charges against them remain unclear, the situation is expected to be addressed later this week.

Singapore is known for its stringent laws regarding public assembly, which even restrict gatherings of a single person. The government maintains that these laws are essential for maintaining public order and safety. In a similar incident in 2020, a Singaporean activist was arrested for displaying a placard featuring a smiley face, illustrating the country’s strict enforcement of protest laws.

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Cuesta had posted on social media shortly after arriving in Singapore, indicating his plans to make a statement with his protest banner, which read “Lim Go Home.” This sentiment resonates with many Valencia fans, as Lim has faced significant backlash over his decade-long tenure, during which the club’s performance has sharply declined.

Encouraged by fellow supporters online, Cuesta took to various tourist sites in Singapore, capturing images of himself holding the yellow banner. One of the photos showed him outside what is believed to be Lim’s luxury residence in Singapore. Cuesta even shared a video of himself placing a sticker saying “Lim out” on the gate of Lim’s home, a common sight among Valencia fans.

These images gained traction among supporters, prompting Cuesta to participate in an interview with a Valencia football podcast. He described a "lightbulb moment" when his wife suggested their honeymoon destination. Motivated by this idea, he purchased stickers and a banner to express their dissatisfaction. Cuesta mentioned that they spent a significant amount of time moving around Singapore, affixing stickers on lampposts and other locations.

Despite his humor about potentially ending up in a Singaporean prison, reality struck when they were detained. Following their arrest, the Spanish embassy in Singapore confirmed that their passports had been taken due to an ongoing police investigation. Mayor Catalá remarked that they have not been informed of the specific crimes for which they are being investigated, and while they can leave their hotel, they are not allowed to exit the country.

Valencia CF has expressed awareness of the couple’s situation, stating that they are in contact with the Spanish embassy to ensure the couple receives necessary assistance. The club emphasized its commitment to supporting its fans during this challenging time.

Peter Lim, a prominent figure in Singapore’s business landscape, has owned Valencia CF since 2014 and was the first foreign owner in the club's history. His tenure has not been without controversy; fans have criticized him for the club's dwindling performance and increasing debt. Traditionally a strong competitor for league and European titles, Valencia currently sits near the bottom of the league standings.

Lim's connections to influential figures, including super-agent Jorge Mendes and former Manchester United player Gary Neville, have drawn scrutiny as well. Despite having no managerial experience, Neville was briefly appointed as Valencia's head coach in 2015, only to be dismissed after a disappointing stint.

In light of the couple’s detention, Libertad VCF, a Valencia fan group, has expressed solidarity with Cuesta and Sáez, calling for their immediate release. The group asserted that their right to freedom of movement has been violated merely for exercising their right to express dissent peacefully.

The incident highlights the delicate balance between expressing dissent and adhering to the strict regulations surrounding public protests in Singapore, a nation often criticized for its limitations on free speech. As the situation unfolds, many are watching closely, not only for the couple's fate but also for the broader implications regarding freedom of expression in Singapore.