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Shanghai authorities have cracked down on Halloween costumes, amid fears of a repeat of final 12 months’s mass gathering that included individuals sporting outfits with political messages.
Police on Saturday rounded up individuals in costume on Julu street, the guts of Halloween celebrations final 12 months in China’s monetary hub, and took them to an administrative constructing to take away their make-up and downplay their outfits. Authorities had on Friday evening arrange makeshift limitations to stop a repeat of crowds gathering on Julu street.
“We had hats and cat ears, and so they’re like ‘you may’t try this this 12 months, except you’re going to Disneyland’ or one thing,” mentioned one 22-year-old pupil who didn’t give his title. He had been taken to the constructing and made to take away his make-up. The method had taken half an hour, he added, as a result of “queue” of individuals introduced in by authorities. One safety guard inside confirmed that costumes weren’t permitted this 12 months.
The measures, which come simply days earlier than the October 31 celebration, comply with an enormous impromptu road gathering final 12 months to rejoice Halloween, extensively seen as an outburst of expression after years of Covid lockdowns. The emergence of huge numbers of younger individuals in costume on Julu street final 12 months led to a sizeable police presence.
These Halloween celebrations happened towards a backdrop of tight political controls, together with a wider crackdown on any dialogue of the federal government’s three-year efforts to remove the virus.
Outfits throughout Shanghai final 12 months included hazmat fits — a satirical reference to the federal government’s “zero-Covid” coverage — and political figures from China’s historical past. Their photographs went viral on social media. The occasion got here lower than a 12 months after anti-pandemic protests in late 2022.
This Saturday, even within the drizzle, Julu Street nonetheless attracted giant numbers of younger individuals, however costumes had been uncommon and in lots of circumstances consisted solely of a small merchandise, comparable to a tie. Over latest days rumours had circulated on-line that “cosplay” — the apply of dressing up as characters from video games or movies — wouldn’t be permitted, although there was no official announcement.
One lady mentioned she had purchased a “witch’s cloak” in preparation for Halloween however had not felt capable of put on it due to the mooted crackdown. “[We were] actually trying ahead to it,” she mentioned. “So many individuals ready.” One other pair of younger girls in flamboyant costume mentioned they didn’t know which outfits had been permitted. Cops took three girls in historic costumes to the executive constructing. They had been launched shortly afterwards.
Police on the scene largely declined to reply questions. “[There is] no why,” mentioned one in response to a query on why the limitations had been put up. One other mentioned the apply was “regular”.
A consultant for the Shanghai Info Workplace mentioned in an announcement that “competition actions . . . should not have an effect on public order”, and mentioned there have been Halloween-related actions at Disneyland and Completely satisfied Valley, one other close by theme park. “We feature out vital steering and orderly administration in some crowded areas within the metropolis, solely to make sure clean site visitors, public order and citizen security,” the consultant mentioned.
In anticipation of restrictions, rumours had circulated on-line that another gathering would happen a number of kilometres away at an handle within the south of town. Late on Saturday night, there was nobody there besides for 2 police automobiles with their lights flashing.
