SINGAPORE, Sept 16: The government of Singapore on Friday night backed down on its decision not to allow protests against the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF), agreeing to admit 22 activists who had been denied entry despite having been accredited by the two institutions.

The government had earlier in the week barred 27 activists from entering the city state, citing security concerns. Singapore is currently hosting a WB-IMF meeting.

Earlier in the day World Bank President Paul Wolfowitz said that Singapore had inflicted ‘enormous damage to its reputation. Describing its actions in this regard ‘unacceptable, he told a meeting with civil society organisations (CSOs) that he had raised the matter with President S.R. Nathan and Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.

Reacting over the ban some 164 CSOs announced a boycott of all official IMF-World Bank events.

The decision on Friday night met a muted response from activists as, according to them, it had come too late.