12-14 years ago I got a 100 ruble ticket ($8) in the Moscow subway for taking pictures of the station. It was illegal then and I didn't know it. I think it is legal now. But if I was there doing that now, I could totally see getting thrown in jail for political reasons. Ridiculous that people would think I deserved it.I have been to all three countries multiple times and your characterization is definitely off base for Singapore. It is legal to chew gum there and I have. It is not legal to sell it. Drugs on the other hand can get you the death penalty!
As for not feeling sorry for a journalist shedding light on what is happening? How do you propose we learn about the current situation? You do you, but I for one admire people who go in harms way to bring us the truth.