Red-shirt lady in Hong Kong airport protest pictures is a Singaporean who "just wants to get home"

"I just want to go home."

By now, most of us are aware of the Hong Kong protests in 2019. The situation took a turn for the worse this past week, when thousands of protesters entered the airport, one of the world’s busiest, to stage demonstrations, and caused hundreds of flight cancellations.

A few scuffles even took place between protesters and travellers, who were being blocked from the departure gates.

Among the many pictures that have surfaced of the incident is one memorable picture of a woman in a red shirt, and carrying a red suitcase. In one of the pictures, she is even seen lifting the suitcase over her head!

Well, it has emerged that this red-shirt lady is actually a Singaporean who desperately wanted to get back home.

Hong Kong protests in 2019: Red-shirt lady in iconic picture is actually a Singaporean

The incident involving the red-shirt lady happened on 13 August 2019, and turns out that, she had arrived at the airport at 2 pm and was desperately trying to check in to catch a flight back to Singapore.

As you can see, she was seen climbing over the black and white T-shirt demonstrators.

At one point, feeling overwhelmed and trapped by the crowd of protesters, she lifts her suitcase over her head, creating that perfect shot of red in a sea of black and white.

Many publications have called the picture “historic” and “iconic” for the way it conveyed a city’s state of chaos.

As for the red-shirt lady, she is now back home in Singapore.

Meanwhile here is the latest travel advisory for Hong Kong from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Singapore (dated 16 August 2019):

There have been large-scale protests taking place across Hong Kong since June 2019 which have become increasingly unpredictable. These protests can take place with little or no notice and could turn violent.

Recent protests had also affected the Hong Kong International Airport, leading to the cancellation of many flights on 12 and 13 August and leaving many travellers stranded at the airport.

Singaporeans are advised to defer non-essential travel to Hong Kong, given current developments.

If you are already in Hong Kong, you should take all necessary precautions to ensure your personal safety. You are advised to stay vigilant, monitor developments through the local news, and heed the instructions of the local authorities.

  • You may wish to follow the Hong Kong Police Force on their social media accounts (https://www.facebook.com/hongkongpoliceforce and https://twitter.com/hkpoliceforce) for latest updates. 
  • The latest information on special traffic arrangements is available at (www.td.gov.hk/en/special_news/spnews.htm)  You should avoid protests and large public gatherings, and stay in touch with your family and friends so that they know you are safe.
  • Singaporeans in Hong Kong are encouraged to eRegister with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs at https://eregister.mfa.gov.sg/ to enable us to contact you should the need arise.

Those who require consular assistance can contact the Singapore Consulate-General in Hong Kong, or the MFA Duty Office (24hrs) at:

Singapore Consulate-General in Hong Kong

Tel: +852-2527-2212 or +852-9466-1251 (after office hours)

Fax: +852-2861-3595

Email: singcg_hkg@mfa.sg

Ministry of Foreign Affairs Duty Office (24 hours)
Tanglin, Singapore 248163
Telephone: +65 6379 8800 / 8855
Email: mfa_duty_officer@mfa.gov.sg

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Written by

Jaya