Newspaper photographer held for taking flood photos

Even as many Singaporeans and businesses come to grips with the aftermath of Saturday morning’s flash floods, another story is raising eyebrows online.

Chinese daily Lianhe Wanbao reports that one of its photographers was arrested and detained by police for one hour for taking photos of Saturday morning’s flood.

In its Saturday evening edition, the local newspaper put a photo of its photographer, with visible handcuff marks still on his wrist, and that of a policeman side by side on its front page, under a headline that said, “Photographer arrested because of taking photos”.

In a Page 5 report, the newspaper detailed how its photographer, Mr Wu Qing Shun, was detained by police for one hour before being allowed to leave.

His detention at about 7am on Saturday took place after a policeman saw him taking photos of snarling traffic and stranded vehicles along Upper Bukit Timah Road, one of the areas badly hit by Saturday morning’s floods.

After being spotted by an unidentified on-duty policeman who was mobilised to deal with the traffic situation, Mr Wu was asked to leave the scene.

However, he pleaded with the policeman to be allowed to take one more photograph.

Before he could finish talking, the policeman took out his handcuffs and placed them on his right hand. He was also told he would be brought down to a police station.

The photographer then asked, “I am not a criminal. Why are you handcuffing me?”

The policeman then brought him to the roadside and told him to wait for an investigator.

Mr Wu was only released after an hour.

Wanbao also included a police statement which said the photographer was detained for safety reasons because the policeman in question thought Mr Wu was in danger and would hurt himself while taking photos.

It was only after flood waters had subsided did he let the photographer go.

The news has sparked outrage online as many questioned why the police detained the photographer for essentially doing what was his job.

Twitter user and renowned blogger @mrbrown asked, “Was the flood in a sex scandal?”

Another @scarletscandals added, “I shall be in fear everytime I twitpic.” Twitpic refers to the process of taking a photo and posting it on Twitter.


*** RDG marshal will report anyone of taking UL peeing behind the tree !

This is a "catchy" Statement ...

the policeman in question thought Mr Wu was in danger and would hurt himself while taking photos

By Handcuffing him is "SAFE" ?

What if the flood water push this reporter into the drain. Will the police be charge for murder ?

WTF is the uniform man doing....*&^%$#@

Since when did sg become a police state. to arrest someone without a proper cause in not right. i surprised at how insensible action ny police. to me,
its an abuse of power & authority.

Calling Siko to answer our questions.....seiko korkor.....

Like tat next time i don't dare take pictures liao...

moi™ wrote:

Like tat next time i don't dare take pictures liao...

If you dress like a girl and take photos at the ladies washroom.....than don't ! If you take RDG photos....we all LOVED you !

Uncle Lau wrote:

moi™ wrote:

Like tat next time i don't dare take pictures liao...

If you take RDG photos....we all LOVED you !

Love me? Hancuffed me and rape me?

You wish are !!!!

Uncle Lau wrote:

You wish are !!!!

I don't mind if it is young ladies.

Abuse of power!! How can anyhow handcuff people....!@$###@%$#^!!

Wah!!!!! Absolute rubbish!!!!!!!!!!!! ABuse of authority man!!!

Good thing the MIB didn't take out HIS GUN to shoot him. Man... that was close. Crazy craps.

Aiya,, we are living in a land with no human right... so LL lor..

I thought last time PUB said flood under control?

I don't see the need to handcuff the reporter! Handcuff is only used when confirm arresting subject.

Mr Wong should come out n apologize for this incident! but wait a moment...according to our culture here, u won't see any of them appear in front of any public events for the next two week until everyone forgets (hopefully)...

redbull wrote:

I thought last time PUB said flood under control?

ha ha.. this is understatement. If you pay attention to the radio, whenever there is rain, there will be a side announcement from PUB about caution on flash flood in areas. PUB is smarter now.

moi™ wrote:

Uncle Lau wrote:

moi™ wrote:

Like tat next time i don't dare take pictures liao...

If you take RDG photos....we all LOVED you !

Love me? Hancuffed me and rape me?

moi, be careful what u wish for! someone might be waiting for this opportunity...

MOI, dont need to announce yr fetish so loudly in forum la. Aiyo............

Khorkar wrote:

MOI, dont need to announce yr fetish so loudly in forum la. Aiyo............

ok ok...i send by pm next time.
KK, when our next game? I prefer Singapore. Kukup too far for me.

Btw, i can't find this news in CNA.

moi™ wrote:

Khorkar wrote:

MOI, dont need to announce yr fetish so loudly in forum la. Aiyo............

ok ok...i send by pm next time.
KK, when our next game? I prefer Singapore. Kukup too far for me.

Bro,
Sure, pick a place and time... I will be there . Btw, I let you know that yr Kukup partner salty, now use 7i for 160 meter shots. He drives is looooooooooooooooooooong. He is like 20-30mtrs in front of me...

Anyways, I saw the article in Yahoo...

Was there something to hide?.. If not let ppl take photos lah...
To be handcuffed for taking pictures??
some asses need to be lubed...& confirmed it is sure not moi's...