Overview

• Shanghai police implemented heavy patrols and crowd control measures to prevent Halloween celebrations from becoming politically charged events.
• Costumed partygoers, including those dressed as political figures and comic book characters, were detained and asked to remove makeup, with some taken to police stations for questioning.
• The crackdown follows last year's Halloween festivities, where costumes were used to critique government policies, including Covid-19 measures and economic issues.
• Despite no official ban, local businesses were warned against hosting costume events, and some public parks were closed to prevent gatherings.
• The increased police presence and restrictions are seen as efforts to maintain social order and prevent spontaneous demonstrations in the city.