đź“ŤBerne, Switzerland
Some context for my non-Singaporean friends: Public demonstrations are rare in Singapore due to laws that make it illegal to hold cause-related events without a valid licence from the authorities. Citizens are allowed to protest in a confined space (Speakers’ Corner) with relevant permits.
As how my fellow locals would say – how leh chey. From Pink Dot to Climate Rallies, often times these demonstrations feel so orchestrated. Nonetheless, we try to manage with what is allowed.
Less than 10 hours ago, I experienced my very first peace protest in Berne, Switzerland. I’m here on a family trip with a very detailed itinerary, but this was not something we had planned to do. Whilst venturing around the city centre, we came across multiple people carrying protest signs, with the Ukraine flag tied around their shoulders. It was obvious they were headed for an anti-war demonstration against Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Out of mere curiosity (despite being worried about the ongoing pandemic and it’s symbiotic relationship with big crowds), we attempted to follow this group of people.
Let me just say, it was exhilarating for me.
First of all, I was slightly embarrassed that there were kids (all under the age of 10) who were so passionately yelling at the top of their lungs and shoving their signs into the air while I was trying not to be trampled by the crowds of people around me. It truly is an experience. One thing that truly amazes me is the fact that Switzerland itself has a politically neutral standpoint – majority of these people did not have a political agenda. These were just people who wished for the safety of others, and wanted their government to do something about it.
It irks me knowing that this is something I would never have experienced had I not left my home country. Can you imagine waking up to Russia declaring war on Ukraine and the next thing you know you’re looking at Twitter for locations of peace demonstrations in the city? So you pack your bag, get some water and food and take your makeshift sign to join a group of people whose intentions are so pure that they would cancel their day plans just to express their freedom of speech for a good cause? Yeah. Just imagine.
How can my country be so progressive yet take so many steps back? I understand that demonstrations are “messy” and one might even call it disruptive but it’s not like these are riots or violent protests. When it was announced on social media today that there would be demonstrations across the Berne City Centre bus and tram services were paused so the people could protest safely. If we worked together as a community I’d say we could make protests a peaceful event meant for a good cause. Why is there a need to restrict and confine people to a certain space?
I feel so ashamed that I’m from a country that controls and filters the voices of its own people. I suppose it’s why the country feels so divided – we never really have the chance to come together and fight for something.
There are definitely ways to host a peaceful demonstration. It’s only going to benefit us as a community.
Honestly, I wish all of you could’ve been with me today. It was such a surreal experience for me and truly so, so emotional. It was so refreshing to get rid of my mother’s Singaporean mindset that protests are “messy, dangerous and property-damaging”. But also equally disappointed that she had that mentality in the first place.
Felt nice to have my voice heard in a country that wasn’t even mine. Activism is so important but I feel so deprived of it.
I haven’t written in very long, so this short write-up may sound a little underbaked. So sorry, and thanks for reading till here!
Cheers,
L
