Chinese police on the streets in Shanghai to prevent Halloween celebrations

In Shanghai last weekend, the police were present in masse to ensure that as little Halloween would be celebrated in the city. The police appeared to want to prevent a repeat of last year, when Halloween participants wore costumes in which they criticized the Chinese government.

In pictures on social media, a handful of people in uniform appear to have been arrested. Witnesses tell of the BBC that the police dispersed partygoers.

People in Shanghai saw the police action as an attempt by the authorities to prevent large public gatherings and freedom of expression.

Last year people dressed up as a security camera, a collapsing stock market or a corona test. This was seen as a criticism of the government, which had taken strict corona measures, and the country’s economic problems. The police then took some people away.

In Shanghai there was no longer an official ban on celebrating Halloween, but authorities asked for family-friendly activities. Adults were advised not to to decorate

The images on social media show people in traditional clothes, such as Batman, being loaded into a police van. Some partygoers say they had their make-up removed at the police station.

It is not yet clear exactly which outfit authorities have been targeting. There were also partygoers who were left alone.