Spanish couple issued stern warning over protest against Valencia owner Peter Lim

SINGAPORE: A Spanish couple who were investigated for protesting against Peter Lim, owner of Valencia football club, have received a stern warning from the Singapore Police Force (SPF).

The couple has since left Singapore, following the impounding of their passports during the investigation.

In an update on 15 October, police said that they had taken "into consideration the facts and circumstances of the case" and, in consultation with the Attorney-General’s Chambers, issued the warning to the 34-year-old Spanish man and his 30-year-old wife.

The man, Dani Cuesta, was warned for participating in a public assembly without a permit under Singapore's Public Order Act 2009, and for affixing notices in violation of the Miscellaneous Offences (Public Order and Nuisance) Act 1906.

His wife, Mireia Saez, was warned for abetting her husband’s protest under the Public Order Act.

The couple’s family issued a statement last Thursday, confirming that the authorities had returned their passports and that they would return to Valencia on the first available flight.

"In the end, everything has been reduced to a warning," read the family’s statement, which was reported by Spanish media and The New York Times.

The statement also thanked the Spanish Embassy in Singapore and the government delegation in Valencia for their assistance.

“We regret the noise generated by others who have delayed, for personal interests, the resolution of this nightmare,” the family added, requesting privacy so they could return to their daily lives.

Cuesta and Saez, who were reportedly on their honeymoon, were stopped at Changi Airport on 4 October as they attempted to board a flight to Bali.

Valencia Mayor Maria Jose Catala had revealed that the couple was prevented from leaving Singapore, and the SPF later confirmed that their passports were impounded after a report was lodged against them.

Cuesta had posted images of himself holding a "Lim go home" banner at various locations across Singapore, including outside Abelia condominium, believed to be owned by Mr Lim, as well as at Esplanade and Marina Bay.

A video circulating on social media also showed Cuesta placing a sticker reading "Lim out" on the condominium gate.

Peter Lim, one of Singapore’s wealthiest individuals, purchased Valencia in 2014.

His ownership has faced significant criticism from Valencia fans, who have regularly protested against the management's decisions, such as selling star players and sacking coaches.

Protests, featuring banners like "Lim go home," have become a common sight at La Liga games played at Valencia's Mestalla Stadium.

Valencia is currently struggling in the Spanish first division, sitting in 18th place, adding to fan frustrations.

Singapore’s Firm Stance on Unauthorised Protests: Even Solo Demonstrations Require Official Approval

Singapore takes a strong stance against public assemblies, particularly those held for a cause, without the necessary permits.

The government enforces strict regulations under the Public Order Act to maintain public order and prevent disruptions.

Any gathering, even a one-person protest, requires prior approval from authorities.

Activist and social worker Jolovan Wham was fined S$3,000 on 25 February 2022 for participating in an illegal one-person assembly outside the State Courts in December 2018, which lasted 15 seconds.

Wham was convicted under the Public Order Act for holding a sign that read "Drop the charges against Terry Xu and Daniel De Costa," referring to two individuals charged with criminal defamation that day.

He argued that he was only taking a photo and not demonstrating, and that no one—other than the photographer—witnessed the event in person.

However, a police report was filed after a photo of him holding the sign was shared online.